Fund College Program for At-Risk Youth, Costa Rica

Happy new year from Boy with a Ball Costa Rica. We are glad you are a part of our movement and the lives we are shaping together. 

We want to take a moment to share with you a wonderful story which ended the 2017 year on an exciting note in our University Scholarship Program. This program exists beacuse we understand that the realities of a young persons socioeconomic background makes it difficult to stay in school.

This year, in order to give youth a small win faster, we revamped the scholarship program and moved from covering 4 year university level education to more technical/trade degrees (approximately one year and a half) which are very sought after in the job market. We partnered with the Universidad Latina which was excited to be an agent of change in the history these young men and women as they start a new chapter in their life and in the lives of their families. They waived the registration fee and gave a 25% scholarship to the cause.

The piece we want to highlight is that they are starting 10^th grade next year and will attend classes once a week which shouldn’t impact their normal high school studies. Why is this awesome? By the time they graduate, they will have their high school degree AND a technical degree allowing them to start working almost right away. Watching them sign their registration and seeing their excitement was priceless…they couldn’t believe they were sitting in a university classroom, a possibility that had been only something to dream about.

This photo is our starting point – the day they registered. Nine new students carefully chosen from their communities. Nine stories that which will for sure inspire many. This week is the first week of classes! (and more stories to come!)

Thank you for believing in this program, in the work we do through BWAB. Many hands and hearts work hard to give these youth better opportunities. I am always proud of what we can accomplish together.

We are still in need of funds for our program staff for 2018. There are the people who work day in and out, giving far more than they need to with their hearts on their sleeves to ensure that our programs, volunteers and youth have what they need to succeed. 

Please consider donating today. A $200 donation means access to programs that empower and equip for an entire year for one young person. That's just $16 a month. 

We know there are many ways that you can invest your resouces, so we sincerely appreciate every bit of support that you show us.

Thank you and make 2018 a year that counts!

Last Thursday, eleven young people from the at-risk communities where Boy with a Ball works in San Jose had an irreplaceable experience when our friends at Western Union, the American financial services and communications company, invited them to their Costa Rica headquarters.

The morning was filled with enthusiasm as several members of the WU team shared their own educational and professional experience, how working in this multinational company has opened doors and helped them grow and words of motivation for these young people as they strive to break the mold in their communities. Caroline Mata, Regional Talent Acquisition Manager for Western Union had this to say about the visit:

"It fills us with pride to make a difference alongside this great organization (BWAB). It was a great day! We are clear that it's education that will open the pathway to a better life. Our commitment is strong!"

There are currently three past members of the BWAB university program employed at Western Union and we don't plan to stop there. Several of the eleven visitors are current or potential scholars with Boy with a Ball and Western Union's commitment to the program and communities is as alive as ever. We are very grateful for the long term relationship with WU and especially for the individuals there whose love and faith continue to push young people to transform their lives and communities.