Education Beyond 6th Grade: Dreams Can Come True

Jessica is a 6th grade student in a small village in Santa Lucia.  Her family is very poor, and no one in her family has attended school beyong the 6th grade.  She has two younger siblings.                                                                                                             

Her family had already told her that she will not be able to stay in school once she finishes 6th grade in November.  They cannot afford to purchase her school uniform, physical education uniform and sneakers, and supply her with school supplies.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Each year, Shoulder to Shoulder identifies 25 Sixth graders in each of five municipalities who will not be able to continue in school due to financial hardships.  Once accepted into the program, they will continue in the scholarship program as long as they stay in school and receive passing grades.   The students are not given money -- they are given uniforms, sneakers, and school supplies.                                                                                                                                                                                               

These 150 students are in our "Education Beyond 6th Grade:  Dreams Can Come True" program.  The program is entirely funded by generous individuals and families -- people like YOU who believe that keeping children in school is a good and noble thing.

 

In the photo above, Jessica is just hearing that she has been selected to be part of the program.  Jessica LOVES school, and she is a very good student.  Her joy is written all over her face!