The Students
416 students have graduated from high school and forty-two of these have receive degrees from college or technical school.
Sonia - Doctor In The Making
Sonia, 24, was raised by a single mother in a small village in rural El Salvador.. Her mother managed to put food on the table by growing crops on a small plot of land. Even though Sonia did her homework many nights by candlelight, she always achieved excellent grades. Ten years ago, she received an Opportunity Fund Scholarship. Sonia’s dream has always been to be a doctor, and after graduating from High School, she entered medical school at the Universidad de Alberto Masferrer in the capital city. Sonia is now in her residency program after having completed four years of medical school. She plans to practice among the poor of El Salvador for many years to come. She also hopes to specialize and would need a postgraduate scholarship to achieve her goal. Help give Sonia this opportunity.
Our scholars are from impoverished families in El Salvador. All are gifted and committed to graduating. They study law, engineering, business and other disciplines. None could continue their studies without their scholarships.
These scholars are all leaders in their community. They serve as role models and are living proof of what is possible with hard work, supportive families and a little help from the Opportunity Scholarship Fund.
Sandy - Working for a more just society
​
Sandy, 23, is another young woman raised by a single mother in a rural community El Salvador. She entered the scholarship program six years ago, and graduated from law school in 2016. After graduation she obtained work in the court system near her home town. Sandy hopes to use her law degree to help the poor of El Salvador, especially women in the area of domestic violence. Sandy is a symbol of hope and possibility for others in her community, especially young women and her brother who hopes to also receive a scholarship so he can study law.
Lorena - Serving as a role model
While her mother works as a housekeeper, Lorena, 20, studies marketing at Matias Delgado University with the help of a partial Opportunity Fund Scholarship. She is a dedicated scholar, and is helping her brother in English classes so he can succeed as well. Lorena obtained a part time job on the weekends and is saving so she can take English courses in order to pass required class work in English at the University needed to graduate.
$1,200 sends a student to college for a year.
Cristina - Brighter future for her family
Cristina, 23, will complete her degree in business administration next year. She is one of five sisters raised solely by their mother, who sold fruit in the local market until a heart condition left her unable to work. Her family lives under impoverished conditions in a high-crime neighborhood. Cristina hopes to one day own a restaurant or bookstore so she can help support her family after graduation.
Marlon - Uplifting his family
Marlon graduated from high school as valedictorian of his class. Despite this academic success, Marlon had no plans to attend college due to the lack of resources in his family. Then, the Riveras heard about Marlon. After going through the interview process and receiving a home visit, Marlon was awarded a scholarship. In his two years at the university, Marlon’s grades have been excellent. Marlon wants to be a math professor to help other young adults out of poverty. He makes time to volunteer as a mathematics tutor to other students and to adults in his community.
Roxana - Dedicated to her studies
Roxana Isabel is studying marketing at Sonsonate University. Roxana first received a scholarship to help complete high school. Roxana’s home is located in territory between rival gangs. Her father has been robbed several times of his meager salary as a laborer and also has difficulty getting to work since to get there he has to pass through areas that are controlled by a gang. Given the dangers of returning home late at night after classes, Roxana obtained housing with a family that lives close to the University. Despite these difficulties, Roxana greets everyone a huge smile and her ever-present effervescence.
