2010 APPLICANTS for 2011 scholarships will be listed from July 2010 on.
New Applicants now have hope
Our growing reputation and better local management has helped the program improve and grow. We have a good working relationship with a number of schools and are supported by the local Cable network. As a result, we are getting higher quality applicants and more applicants.
We still insist on the 80% GPA requirement, but have turned away fewer applicants due to this requirement. Middle school students are learning well in advance of the 80% requirement, so they can strive to earn it. They will find the money to buy paper for their homework.
A GPA of 80% allows a greater chance for success, when these applicants from questionable village schools, study in the tougher Coatepeque schools. Those who are refused at this time, may apply in another year, if they reach our standards.
Each six months, I return to Guatemala to check current girl's progress, see that teeth are cared for, many other needs are met and interview current applicants.
A SURPRISING NUMBER OF APPLICANTS:
The response in July 08, was amazing. I did not understand why we ahd some 25-30 applicants until the director of the University and High School Director both mentioned that parents generally wanted their girls to be Spirit becadas. As some of the applicants families had enough money to afford education, I did not understand why they wanted to be part of a group of he very poor.
The answer was that the Spirit Becadas are the best students in the school and the program offers so much. I checked this and discovered that of the 24 possible honors over the last 2 years, our girls have won 16.
The applicant families, or the girls themselves, have been able to go to middle school, however, the worsening economic situation has forced many to have to quit school. They are desperate for your help in order to keep following their dreams of getting out of poverty through education.
I realize that while this is a very poor country, that does not mean costs are low. The wealthy set the prices. A gallon of gas in July 2008 cost $5. A pizza $17.80, the cheapest screwdriver $1.35 and school supplies more than in the USA.
Interested godparents are encouraged to:
1. Choose to adopt an applicant from the current list/ links, or
2. Send in your request for a future applicant by emailing or snail mailing your request to info@spiriteduc.org 480-836-9946, or 15532 E Tepee Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. This will put you on the priority contact list. When we have a new applicant, we will contact you directly, in order of your statement of interest receipt, when an applicant is waiting. Please include the following:
* Name, address, email, phone.
* Preference: High school start (from 3, up to 9 years) or university start (up to 6 years)
The applicants this time, seem to be from families that have lower incomes, but more interest in education than often is the case. The extreme effort they have made to keep their children in school is amazing.
Unless costs raise markedly, the scholarships will be $800 to include school fees, English teacher, uniforms, transportation, English equipment, some books, internet fees. All of your dollars go to your "adopted" girl.
FUTURE SALARY EXPECTATIONS PER MONTH, WITH YOUR HELP:
Basico/ middle school Q6-700 $ 81-95
Diversificado/ high school Q1200 $ 163
University Q4000-15,000 $ 500 - 1875
English knowledge $300 premium
