Bridge Program

After high-school, our Bridge Program empowers 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. The program includes three pathways to best meet the various needs of participants: the University Program, the DP World Shipping Program and the Girls Transition Program. 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.

University Program – Most of the students in this program come from Esperanza Home for Children or from families in our scholarship program at Santa Maria del Fiat school, and would otherwise have no hope of receiving post-high school education. Our University Program pays for housing, food, healthcare, and university required supplies for each student during their years in university. To date, we’ve proudly celebrated 9 graduates who are now working professionally across Ecuador.

DP World Program – In 2022, MSM launched a work-study program in partnership with DP World, a multinational logistics and shipping company. Students pursue a two-year degree in Mega-electronic Engineering at a highly rated university in Guayaquil, while completing an internship at the port. Opportunities like this are scarce in Ecuador, and this program helps set students up for a thriving future.

Girls Transition Program – For young women who age out of the Mission Home but are not yet prepared for university, Mission Santa Maria has established a transition program. The program provides safe housing and support while the women search for employment and become financially independent.

• 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