Our Story

The founders’ primary objective was to provide financial assistance to young girls in the rural communities surrounding San Miguel who would not otherwise be able to continue their education. In Mexico, education is free only through the 6th grade. For education beyond that level, students are required to pay for inscription fees, books, school supplies, exams, transportation, contributions to school maintenance supplies, school uniforms and shoes. These expenditures often are too costly for many families and as a result, their children drop out of school. A scholarship from Mujeres en Cambio makes it possible for a girl who is an excellent student to continue her education—from junior high school (secundaria) through senior high school (preparatoria) and through university.  Our first scholarships were awarded to seven very deserving young girls in 1995.

The Scholarship program has grown exponentially since those early days.  For the 2019-2020 school year, 21 secondaria, 35 prepatoria and 17 university students graduated from our program. Thirty of our prepa (high school) graduates have indicated a desire to go on to university most of whom have a 9-point grade average or better. In total we assisted 177 girls in 2020.