Student Sponsorship Program

The Student Sponsorship Program is a framework for investing in the human and social capital of San Juan del Sur through educational grants made possible by individual donors seeking to sponsor a student in college. In turn, the sponsored students of Fundación A. Jean Brugger commit to lead community projects while in school, and promise to work in San Juan del Sur after graduation. The basic contribution to sponsor a student covers registration, monthly tuition, transportation, field trips, text books, and additional courses.

Chris Berry and Jean Brugger founded the Pelican Eyes Hotel & Resort with the idea of giving back to the community and furthering education in Nicaragua. Hence was born the inspiration for the Student Sponsorship Program. It began in 2000, with Chris and Jean sponsoring several local college students. Soon, friends, Pelican Eyes Hotel, homeowners and guests, and residents of San Juan del Sur became involved, and the program grew. To date, the Fundación A. Jean Brugger has proudly provided sponsorships to more than 70 students, some of whom have gone on to become lawyers, engineers, and computer technicians. In 2009 and 2010, 13 students will graduate from university, with degrees in Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Tourism and Hotel Administration, Systems Engineering and Public Accounting.

Our commitment entails not only facilitating educational opportunities, but also investing in the community around us. The students of Fundación A. Jean Brugger coordinate and participate in environmental projects, community clean-ups, the Municipal Recycling Program, fundraisers and cultural programs like the community Art Gallery, Galería del Sur.

Sponsoring a college student costs between USD $125-200 per month for a year. Sponsors receive information about their student and are encouraged to correspond with and/or meet the student whenever possible.

If you are interested in helping an outstanding student receive the college education he or she deserves, please email us at fundacion@piedrasyolas.com. We are ready when you are.

Waiting in Line…

Due to the success of our Student Sponsorship Program, it should come as no surprise that we receive new student applications at an ever-increasing rate. Unfortunately, we do not have a sponsor waiting in the wings with which to match a student, and this has created a waiting list of students in need. Our wish is to provide these students with a way to further their education. To this end, each month we will highlight three promising students on this page, to raise awareness and ultimately find them sponsors. Please feel free to browse these student profiles and familiarize yourself with these promising young people from San Juan del Sur. They are the future leaders of this community. Search your hearts and tell your friends - join the movement for better education in Nicaragua!