Roots & Wings International Press Release
RWI's university scholarship program opens doors for impoverished Guatemalan applicants
PORTLAND, OR, September 15, 2009 — Diego treks 2.5 hours down a steep mountain to college and 3.5 hours back up it every single day. He is a dedicated Roots and Wings International (RWI) Guatemalan scholarship recipient. In rural Guatemala, the few communities that produce college students herald it as a major achievement, especially considering 60% of the Guatemalan population does not graduate elementary school. November 2009 will see RWI open its doors for its fifth year in a row of awarding university scholarships to meritorious applicants.
Over the five years since its inception, RWI's scholarship program has become increasingly sought after. In 2009, for instance, 52 applicants were rigorously whittled down to 7 by the selection committee and accepted into the program. In contrast, 2006 saw RWI having 3 recipients with 0 rejections.
RWI's scholarship recipients are unique in that they are required to give back to their communities. In fact, commitment to promote development within their community is one of the three judging criteria for applications (the other two criteria are financial need and academic promise).
The success of RWI's scholarship program results from it encouraging students to self-suffice by offering the cost of tuition only. This setup obligates students to remain invested in their academic future by being responsible for purchasing books, registration fees and transportation. By seeking outside employment to finance extraneous costs, students transition to the roles of aspiring professionals from subsistence farming backgrounds.
In 2004, in an effort to improve the lives of Guatemala's indigenous population through education, training and technology, RWI was formed. Earning approximately $2 per day growing coffee beans, most indigenous Guatemalans live in extreme poverty. RWI recognizes the potential that education brings, and seeks to deliver valued educational tools. In order to do so, RWI seeks individual and corporate sponsors for our students.
For more information, contact Erik Swanson by phone at 503-564-8831 or via email at erik@rootsandwingsintl.org.
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