The post-high school program empowers exceptional young adults as they pursue advanced degrees, participate in job training, and seek employment opportunities.

The program aims to bridge the gap between aging out of the Mission Home at 18, or graduating from the Mission School, to finding employment and becoming self-sufficient. Most of the participants come from Esperanza Home for Children, and without this program, they would have little chance of accessing post-high school education. The program provides funding for housing, food, healthcare, and university-required supplies, supporting each student throughout their years in university or in our work-study initiative. To date, the program has helped 9 young adults graduate from university.

For the young women who age out of the Mission Home but are not yet prepared for university, Mission Santa Maria has established a transition program. This initiative offers safe housing and support while they search for employment.

A university degree or vocational training can open doors to well-paying jobs in Ecuador, helping these young men and women break free from poverty for the first time in their families’ histories.

2024 IMPACT: BY THE NUMBERS

  • 27 University Scholarships: Supported 27 young men and women pursuing degrees in medicine, law, accounting, teaching, and more
  • 11 Work-Study Participants: Gave 11 students the chance to complete a 2 year degree in mechanical engineering while interning and gaining valuable work experience at an international shipping port in Ecuador
  • 1 Transition Program: Maintained our program to supply safe housing to young women that have aged out of the Mission Home before they become financially independent. Three women benefitted from the program in 2024.
  • 6 Apartments Rented: Safely housed students across Ecuador while pursuing advanced degrees or job training
  • 1 Home in Guayaquil: Maintained our home for female university students in Guayaquil benefitting 4 of our university scholarship recipients in 2024
  • 1 Alumna Leader: A university program alumna serves as our program coordinator, ensuring culturally competent oversight and continuation of this crucial program

Read More About This Program On Our Blog

About

Mission Santa Maria is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that helps children in Ecuador receive education, food, health care and shelter. Many of these children come from abusive families and extreme poverty. Through the support of Mission Santa Maria these children are provided a “sanctuary” and a chance for a better future. Donations are 100% tax deductible.