Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In the heart of the Volcanes community, a remarkable transformation has been unfolding over the past decade. What was once a struggle for many students to simply progress from one grade to the next has evolved into a flourishing educational journey, thanks to the visionary initiative known as the Volcanes Kids Education Program (VKEP) Scholarship Program. At the core of this transformation lies the invaluable support of sponsors who believe in the power of education to change lives through scholarships.
Founded in 2012 with the support of our first sponsor, the Eagle Wings Foundation, the VKEP scholarship program gave hope to students in Volcanes, offering them a pathway to higher education and brighter futures. Since its inception, the program has enabled over 100 students to pursue their dreams of attending university thanks to the support of their sponsors, with twenty already proudly donning their graduation caps and ten more poised to join their ranks this year.
The impact of the VKEP extends far beyond the individual success stories of its graduates. By nurturing a culture of academic perseverance and empowerment, the program has catalyzed a remarkable shift in the educational landscape of the community. Where once only 60% of 6th graders dared to venture into 7th grade, today, thanks to the support of sponsors, every student not only progresses to junior high school but also continues on to high school, with the majority pursuing further education at the university level.
Central to the success of the VKEP is the unwavering commitment of its sponsors, who recognize that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking the full potential of every student. By providing both financial assistance and emotional support, sponsors become catalysts for change in the lives of their sponsored students.
For the graduates of the VKEP, the impact of sponsorship goes beyond the tangible benefits of financial aid. It instills in them a profound sense of responsibility towards their sponsors, motivating them to persevere even in the face of adversity. Armed with the knowledge that someone believes in their potential, students find the strength to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
Yet, sponsorship in the VKEP is not merely a one-way street. Students who benefit from the program are encouraged to give back to their community, signing a commitment agreement to dedicate one hour per week to community service. Furthermore, they pledge to maintain their academic performance by providing regular updates on their grades, ensuring that they stay on track to achieve their goals. Perhaps most importantly, upon graduation, they pledge to pay it forward by becoming sponsors and mentors to future generations of VKEP students, thus perpetuating a cycle of empowerment and opportunity.
Nitzy exemplifies the success stories that emerge from the VKEP. She graduated first in her class from Tecnologico de Puerto Vallarta, with a degree in Business Management Engineering, she has returned as an integral part of our 360° program, a comprehensive initiative where graduates come full circle to contribute to the ongoing mission of VKEP. Nitzy runs our administration of VKEP and the sewing School. At her young age, she has shown that she is more than capable of this responsibility. She is not only smart, she is dedicated to our mission.
“Last month I just received my university degree as a Business Management Engineer, today, as I look back on my journey, I can’t help but feel deep gratitude for the transformative role VKEP has played in my life. My relationship with this program began when I was just 16 years old when I joined the sewing school and workshop as a volunteer. It was there where I received the blessing of a scholarship that would accompany me from high school until the completion of my university.
My experience with VKEP is not only about receiving financial aid but about being part of a family that believes in the power of education to transform lives. Their dedication to the cause of accessible and equitable education is truly inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity they gave me. VKEP has not only helped me grow professionally but also as a human being. I have experienced comprehensive growth, fueled by the resilience and strength I learned from my mother, the woman I admire most in the world. In my home, I was always taught the value of work and the importance of serving others. My life mission has always been to contribute to changing the lives of others, and VKEP fits perfectly with that purpose. Although I may now lack the financial resources to change lives, being part of VKEP allows me to feel that I contribute to changing the lives of many children and adolescents through the opportunities and programs that the association provides. Therefore, working at VKEP is more than a commitment; It is a passion that drives my daily dedication. I enthusiastically dedicate my time and knowledge to this project, knowing that every small effort contributes to building a brighter future for those who need it.”
I am deeply grateful, to Eagle Wings (my sponsors) and all the people who supported me, who provided the resources, and their time and knowledge to this program, in every achievement in my life, I will carry the memory of YOUR generosity and desire to give back to others the same way you have done for me. The people at Volcanes Kids Education Program are amazing, I don’t know anyone who has come to VKEP and left without smiling at least once, and it is here where the magic of transformation begins.”
YOU TOO CAN BECOME A SPONSOR. VKEP sponsorship is more than just financial support; it is a lifeline that transforms lives and empowers communities. As we celebrate the successes of past graduates and look towards the bright futures of current students, YOU CAN MAKE A PROFOUND IMPACT in shaping the destiny of a well-deserving student from VKEP. Together, we can continue to change lives, one student at a time.
If you are interested in changing a life by sponsoring a student from VKEP these are the scholarship amounts per year, per level:
7-9th grade – 300 USD / 400 CND
10-12th grade – 400 USD / 500 CND
University (4-5 years) – 500 USD / 600 CND
Technical Career or trade school (2-3 years) – 400 USD / 500 CND
For more information on how you can sponsor a student, click on the Donate button located at the top of every page of the VKEP website.
Your financial contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on the lives of children in Volcanes. Click HERE to make a PayPal donation to support VKEP in creating opportunities, building futures, and changing children’s lives for the better.
ABOUT VKEP
Volcanes Kids Education Program is an after-school program that centers on education in the community of Volcanes. We provide English, computer, music (35-member orchestra), and Spanish basic reading-writing skills, as well as, basic math, for over 400 students. We have a scholarship program with 100 students enrolled, and 20 who have graduated from university, four of them working in our program, six of them helping in other capacities.
We also have a variety of clubs with different interests led by volunteers from the community, such as Book Club, Cooking Club, Arts and Crafts Club, Butterfly Club, and Sports Club. We also provide adult education through INEA (GED) for students who for some reason did not finish their primary and junior high school.
If you want to know more about our programs, or how you can help, please contact us at mayrafumerton.vkep(at)gmail.com, or visit volcanesproject.com.
