Education Costa Rica Project #18714

Give the Gift of Education to Children in Poverty

by The Community Action Alliance

Summary

Children from poverty-stricken families require school supplies, uniforms, shoes, tutoring, and food support in order to attend public school in Costa Rica. Since 2013, this volunteer-run scholarship program provides annual support for up to 30 area students; and for 1 or more university social worker students who provide mentoring and support. With your help, we can annually raise the $25,000 needed to keep education dreams alive - 36 will have graduated high school by 2025.

$50,000
total goal

$20,743
remaining

153
donors

7
monthly donors

3
fundraisers

9
years

Challenge

Approximately 23% of Costa Rican families live in poverty. In San Ramon, most are parented by single mothers or guardians, and many are un-documented immigrants not eligible for government assistance needed to buy the school supplies, uniforms, and shoes required for their children to take advantage of the free public education system. School attendance is mandated only through 6th grade; CAA provides support to students academically motivated but financially unable to attend high school.

Solution

This project provides school supplies, uniforms, shoes, eye exams/glasses, food assistance, tutoring, loaner-laptops, social worker and other support for 24-30 financially needy but academically motivated high school students. Vouchers (not cash) are provided that are redeemable for school supplies and uniforms. Satisfactory academics are required for multi-year program eligibility. Completing high school opens doors for future vocational and university studies and paths out of poverty.

Long-Term Impact

Education offers an opportunity for children/families to escape a lifetime of poverty, drugs, gang violence, and crime. These struggling, disadvantaged families are not able to keep their children in school without help. We focus on providing a small number of high school and university students individualized, annual assistance, and social worker support. Student outcomes expected through 2024: 36 high school graduates, at least 10 university entries, and 3 bachelor's degrees earned.