"FOOD FOR SCHOOL" SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Scholarship program, established in 2008 by high school students from the Diocese of Metuchen, is an important lifeline for many poor families.  The Program Director in Guatemala is Estela Cristales. The first group in 2008 included 11 students. As of 2020, the program directly helps 118 students and their families in 7 villages.
 
The scholarship program provides school supplies, books, medicines, and other basic necessities, as well as promotes service to the community and the active participation of parents supporting their children's education.
The school year begins in January and ends in October.  During the vacation months of November and December, children of all ages typically help their families earn income by working in the fields and harvesting crops (coffee, corn, beans.).
 
There are two tiers of Scholarship:

• $420 is a full year for a student in grades 1 thru 9
• $675 is a full year for a student in grades 10 thru 12+  

(Note: for High school in Guatemala, called "Diversificado", a student chooses a "major," and then follows a prescribed curriculum; the number of years varies with each major (called a Carrera). 

The increased scholarship helps to cover additional costs of tuition, travel, snack as students must leave their villages to go to High School.  

Parishes and individuals can offer full or partial sponsorships.  Any amount is helpful and 100% goes to Guatemala. 
 
Estela provides on-going support to the children and their families throughout the year through home visits and training programs.

If you would like to donate to this program, please use the button above.