continuing Education
We believe there is no more effective way to lift communities than through education for young women and girls, particularly in places where girls often have limited opportunities to learn and explore a future outside the home. Since most families in Nicaragua are multi-generational households, lifting up one female in a family elevates the entire household.
The shining stars currently participating in our program include:
Here's what the Education Program entails:
• Sonrisas Felices provides full-ride university scholarships.
• Scholarship funds cover tuition, housing, travel, books/materials, food, and digital devices.
• Programs are typically four to five years, depending on the student’s field of study.
• Scholarships range from $1200 - $3500 per year, depending on field of study and location of the school.
• Student applications & scholarship payment logistics are managed by Fundacion A. Jean Brugger; a foundation that supports educational programs in San Juan del Sur and is our partner in this endeavor.
• Students must be active in community service projects and achieve good grades to maintain their scholarship.
Testimonies
"Sonrisas Felices has been a valued partner since 2020, helping women pursue their dreams through higher education; the first Sonrisas student is already working as a teacher and two current students are studying dentistry, which fits perfectly into Sonrisas Felices's core work in the community."
KATIE BRUGGER, PRESIDENT, a. JEAN BRUGGER EDUCATION PROJECT