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Scholarship Program

360° Program

Notably, Olga, Nitzy, Carolina, Katia, Karina, Brayan, Mariana, Francisco, and Kenia actively participate in our 360° program. Following their university graduation, they have returned to contribute to our program in various capacities. Currently, four of them are employed by VKEP.

Graduates Paying It Forward

The graduates of our scholarship program have embraced the spirit of giving back. Empowered by the opportunities afforded to them, they have taken it upon themselves to become advocates for education and mentors to the next generation of students in need by committing to sponsor students from our list, they are collaboratively pooling their resources to support new students. The great majority of the university graduates conveyed that beyond the financial assistance, just knowing that VKEP was there for them in times of trouble or simply cheering them on, made their journey more manageable. This support system also adds a layer of commitment, making it harder for them to consider giving up, as they become determined not to disappoint their sponsors and the program. The impact of our scholarship program extends beyond individual success stories. By investing in the education of underserved youth, YOU ARE contributing to creating a more educated and empowered society.

Change a Life, Become a Sponsor

In the span of 12 years, our scholarship program has evolved from a small initiative to a force for change in the lives of 100 students and their communities. Our journey is a testament to the belief that education has the power to transform lives, break down barriers, and create a brighter, more equitable future for all. When you sponsor a student from VKEP, you are sponsoring a student who will be responsible for turning in their grades on time every grading period, keeping their GPA, but most of all a student who will serve their community at least one hour per week.

If you are interested in changing a life by sponsoring a student from VKEP these are the scholarship amounts per year, per level:

Grades 7-9: $300 USD ($400 CND)
Grades 10-12: $400 USD ($500 CND)
University (4-5 years): $500 USD ($600 CND)
Technical Career or trade school (2-3years): $400USD ($500 CND)

To sponsor a student : In Mexico, you can make checks payable to Niños de Roma A.C. or you can send the funds via PayPal @artfumerton.

To send a check from the U.S. make the check payable to SB/PV Sister City Committee Inc. with a note of what is it for.
Mail to:
SB/PV Sister Cities Committee c/o Gil Garcia Treasurer
PO Box 3718
Santa Barbara, CA 93130
Phone: 805-689-2588

To send a cheque from Canada, make payable to: Saskatoon Rotary Club Charitable Trust Fund Inc.
Mail to:
Saskatoon Charitable Trust Fund Inc. c/o Allan Lebiszczak, CPA, CMA Treasurer
2617 Taylor Street East
Saskatoon SK S7H 1X1

NOTE: Please include the name of the student you have chosen, your name, email address, and phone number

Dr. Francisco Ramos Médico cirujano y partero Eagle Wings / Bob Kistner
Dr. Francisco Ramos almost did not go to high school. As the oldest, his parents would not only not support him financially to continue attending high school, but he had to go to work to support his little brothers. Francisco had to run away from home to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. He was homeless for a bit, and against all odds, he graduated last year as the valedictorian and top of his class. He is on his way to becoming a neurosurgeon. Today, his inspiring story stands as a testament to resilience and determination in the pursuit of one's aspirations.
Olga Lucero Pérez Bravo Lic. en Gastronomía

Mayra Fumerton

Olga, the first in her family and the Volcanes community to graduate from university, comes from a small ranch near El Tuito. Beginning her education in a one-room schoolhouse, she moved to Puerto Vallarta to pursue further studies,she was the first one to graduate high school in Volcanes, and the first one to obtain a university degree in her family and the community. She graduated in Culinary Arts and Management. Today, she directs the Volcanes Kids Education program, showcasing her remarkable journey from rural roots to educational leadership.
Kennya Vazquez
Lic. enfermería
Vic Swan / Gary Gray
Kennya had big dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner, but in a macho culture, her father denied her the support she needed to achieve her dreams. She was already part of our scholarship program, and we stepped up. She overcame all the hurdles imposed by our culture, "I almost gave up, three times" she said to us, "but knowing that I was going to disappoint my sponsors and the program that believed in me when no one else did, was not an option", she graduated with honors and she is pursuing a masters as an ICU nurse.
Mariana Jiménez Mercadologa
Eagle Wings / Bob Kistner
Mariana came to Puerto Vallarta with her sister and her mom looking for a better life, but the hardships of a single-parent household almost hindered her dreams. Thanks to her hard work, her drive and resilience, and her sponsor, she graduated two years ago with a Marketing Major, and today she is a Project Manager of one of the most prestigious advertising firms in Bahia Banderas- “ I am the first woman to graduate in my family, and I am very thankful for this amazing program which believed in me and supported me, it was not only the financial support, it was the emotional support I received. ”

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