Bright Futures: Opportunity to Sponsor a Student

© Tara A Spears

    Oliver                                       Alonso                             Ricardo

The young men pictured above are three recipients of the 2011 Fran Milski Education Fund University Scholarship.  Each is earning higher than a B+ average, placing them in the top 10% of their university class- quite an achievement for our local community.  Not only do these students qualify for scholarship assistance based on economic need, but they demonstrate an admirable motivation and leadership quality that promises a bright future.  For many of the current 10 Fran Fund scholarship students, the dream of attending university is out of reach without the award. As Oliver said, “I am the first in my family to graduate high school and go on to college. I want to make my family and community proud.” Most of the applicants come from large families where after supplying the basics, the parents don’t have extra for higher education.

Donate to the Fran Milski Education Fund -   

All amounts will be graciously received; there are currently 10 applicants for the 2012 awards and not enough to help all who apply. A gift of a $1,000 pesos will sponsor one student for one semester but any amount will add up to help these super talented students!  The criteria for the Fran Milski Education Fund is two fold: there must be an economic need and the applicant must be enrolled in a university program and earning above an 8 (out of 10 possible) grade point average. Official university transcripts must be supplied with the application.  The Fran Milski Education Fund was started four years ago by family and friends of the long-time RV Park resident after she succumbed to a long battle with cancer.  “Fran was such a strong person who cared deeply about the La Penita community.  She was helping individual students personally for several years, so it seemed like a fitting tribute to her vibrant outlook on life to continue her scholarship assistance,” said Carole Thacker, administrator of the Fran Education Fund.  Each scholarship commitment is for a one year period, but students may reapply.  To contact Carole Thacker: carole@lapenitarvpark.com, or go to the Jaltemba Foundation website for more information: www. jaltembafoundation.com.

Nominate a Local Student

Most seasonal international visitors make friends with the national residents- what a great way to show respect than to nominate a neighbor’s young adult who wants to pursue an education!  The application for scholarships is available online through the Jaltemba Foundation website or by contacting Carole or Maruca Dinsmore, scholarship chair, at marucadinsmore@aim.com. The application is available in Spanish and English.

 It’s easy to give a little to make a big difference- print out the application, give it to the student, donate some pesos. Your effort opens doors for deserving young people who will always remember the kind gringo that gave them a start towards their future. Even better, you can sponsor a particular individual and receive updates on their education.

Because the Jaltemba Foundation, and therefore its member group, Fran Milski Education Fund, is a registered non-profit organization, your donation is tax exempt. in the US.