Sustainable community development requires strengthening the positive development of Salvadoran youth, expanding their access to opportunities for education, technical training, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and participation.
Within this strategic objective, we are happy to announce the formal start of our Scholarship Program focused on candidates with academic potential for high school and university studies who lack the economic stability required to focus on their personal development.
This involves a process of identification and selection of participants in coordination with educational centers and other local actors, seeking an equitable representation of women and men, as well as the participation of young people with leadership, interest and commitment to the development of their communities. The selection will consider criteria of inclusion, territorial diversity throughout El Salvador and opportunities to strengthen the integral development of young people within their communities.
PEOF Scholarship Program begins with the solid footing provided by integrating with a long-standing program founded by an-ex-Peace Corps volunteer Tony Gasbarro over thirty years ago and currently directed by another ex-Peace Corps volunteer John Kukankos and his good friend Jerry Westermeyer, who have been involved with scholarships for Salvadoran youth, for over twenty-five years. Since its beginning, their program has assisted some 125 students earn their college degrees and many other their high school diplomas.
We look forward to working with John and Jerry in the expansion of providing the opportunity of continuing their education and the possibility of a productive insertion into their community for Salvadoran youth who only lack financial support to succeed.
Please consider partnering with us through the PEOF Scholarship Program, via check payable to PEOF Scholarship Fund and addressed to PEOF, 9135 Memory Rd., Greenwood, DE., 19950 or through Zeffy with an on-line donation HERE.
Our support to high school students, which provides important materials, transportation and other costs as needed, ranges from $480 to $720 per year ($40 to $60 per month).
While the support for university education varies according to from major to major, as does length of study, the range of tuition costs are between $950 to $1,200 per year ($80 to $100 per month). For degrees in medicine, the cost approaches $2,200 yearly.