The Scholarship Program Students
Each student is supported by a team of sponsors. The number of students and sponsors change as students graduate and new students are brought into the program. We have successfully graduated more than 20 students from the program, helping some of these first students through both high school and college - a long term investment!
Most of the university students are in a four or five year program. Once they have completed their required courses they must complete their thesis or internship, which we have learned, can take a year or more to complete. Often the scholarship students still need to receive some financial assistance while working toward completing their thesis. After presenting their thesis the students must take the required exams before receiving their professional license. There are fees that the students must pay for the exams and license. The amount of the fees can vary from university to university as well as the professional field.
Addy - Addy is an Architecture student at University in Valladolid. She dreams of designing and creating shelters and recreational spaces for homeless youth, who may have been displaced due to circumstances beyond their control or have been abandoned by their parents due to their sexual orientation. Addy obviously has a huge heart and huge dreams! A winning combination.
Alexis - Alexis is attending Universidad Del Sur in Cancún. “The degree that I am interested in now is Hospitality Management, and one of my biggest dreams is to hold my university degree in my hands.” Alexis has a deep love of learning and gives back to his community through volunteer work.
America - America is a high school student on Isla Mujeres who wants to pursue a medical degree. Her grades are excellent! America says, "Thank you very much for this great opportunity you are giving me, I thank each of you and I swear that I will not fail you!"
Angel - Angel is studying Industrial and Maintenance Engineering at University of Technology in Cancun and wants to follow in his father's footsteps as an Electrician/Plumber on Isla Mujeres. Angel has excellent grades and we look forward to watching him succeed.
Miguel Jesus– Miguel Jesus is studying Law at university in Mérida. During Culture week at university Miguel chose to talk about human rights and recently went to a school in a village close to Mérida to give the talk and teach about our rights. Both Miguel Jesus and his brother, Cleyder (a recent University graduate and alumni of our program), travel back to Isla Mujeres often to visit their beloved Mother.
Conchi – Conchi has earned a degree in Nursing at university in Valladolid and is now doing her year long internship in Tizimin. She has been called to a career in the medical field and has wanted this since childhood. Conchi even volunteered at the Red Cross on weekends when she was in high school. Her older sister, Nelsy was one of the original students in the program. Conchi was chosen to intern in Merida last summer because she is at the top of her class and we are extremely proud of her hard work.
Edgar- Edgar grew up in the Guadalupana neighborhood of Isla Mujeres and has now started studying Civil Engineering at UADY in Merida, which is a prestigious University that is difficult to get into. Edgar's older brother, Abdiel, is one of our alumni and Edgar will be living with Abdiel while he's in school. Edgar is extremely excited for this opportunity and wants to make a difference by improving the infrastructure of his country.
Elias- Elias is the younger brother of Edgar and we are supporting them each with a half scholarship. Elias is studying Business Innovation at University in Cancun. We are very happy to have Elias in our program and watch him achieve his dreams.
Esperanza - Esperanza graduated from Cobay High School, just south of Merida in a town called Acanceh, but is originally from Isla Mujeres. She moved to Merida during her last year of high school and lived with extended family because it was better for her scholastically. She is now at University in Merida studying Nursing. Esperanza has dreamt of a career in the medical field for a long time and is excited about her education and the opportunity to help others.
Fernando – Fernando is attending school at Regional Technology University in Tekax, studying Accounting. He was born on Isla Mujeres and his family still lives on the island. Fernando says, “The thing I want most in life is to successfully finish my studies at the University and to be a licensed Accountant. Once I have finished my studies, I will be able to help my parents with whatever they might need.”
Geovanny - "After graduating with a degree in Psychology from university in Cancún, I plan to give back to my community where there is a need for my services and continue to spread the philosophy of humanism and service to people that I so strongly believe in." Geovanny's education and training will help the entire island through his work as a paramedic and with various other organizations, including the Isla Diabetes Clinic.
Paola – Paola recently completed her degree in Pediatric Dentistry and is finishing up her internship. She took a lot of joy in speaking to school age children about the importance of good dental hygiene. Paola's first semester as a university student was a huge transition for her, but she is an excellent student in Dental school. She was very nervous after her first exams, worried she didn't do well, but when the results came out, she had the highest exam grade of anyone in her class!
Yuseli - Yuseli is a university student attending the Institute of Technology in Cancun studying Accounting. Yuseli postponed her studies for two years so she could work and save money. Her dream is to be able to support her younger sisters so they can get the education they dream of.
Students. From left to right, Cleyder, Miguel Canche, Miguel Jesus, Yuseli, Esperanza, Marisa, Conchi, Fabiola, Yazmin.