A couple of weeks ago I got the type of call that I love to get. One of our students from the Patabamba Academy Project was accepted to a government scholarship program called “Beca 18” that will cover 100% of his expenses to study Civil Engineering at the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola in Lima!
Jose Luis was in 3rd grade when we began the Academy Project in 2012, and he attended consistently all three years from that point on. In 2014, he was elected Academy Vice President by his peers and was always a reliable communication link between the students and the Alma Foundation.
“I would like to thank the academy project and the Alma Foundation which helped a lot to prepare me [for the scholarship exam]. [The academy] helped me a lot the three years that I attended. Thank you.” –
Jose Luis
Though his parents worry about sending their son off to Lima alone, they are very excited about the opportunity their son has earned and are committed to supporting him and his education. Jose Luis’s father, Luis, served as the President of the Academy Parents’ Committee in 2012 and 2013 and has been a strong collaborator with Alma.
The Patabamba Academy Project has provided university, technical institute, and Beca 18 entrance exam preparation courses for over 90 secondary school students since its beginning in 2012 (the majority of whom continue in the project and will graduate in the coming years). About 1/3 of our graduates are currently studying in a technical institute or university.
Congratulations Jose Luis! We look forward to watching you excel on your new journey!