Youth Scholarships

Project Description: In 2016, the tomato farmers of Viva Organico voted to use Fair Trade Community Development Funds to provide youth scholarships for preschool, elementary, middle and high school. The goal is to offer economic support that reinforces children staying in school through their teenage years. Completion of school leads to further education and economic opportunities.
Reason for the Project: The costs associated with school such as registration fees, school supplies and other materials have increased over the years. These expenses had become a limiting factor for staying in school and a concern of the farming parents.
Project Outcome: This scholarship program was developed for the children of Viva Organica workers. Over time, 216 children have been beneficiaries of the ongoing school scholarship project. The organized program includes structure and process. The scholarships are awarded to the children of employees who have worked for the company for a minimum of two months. The applications are reviewed and include documentation requirements such as report cards, birth certificates of both parents and child.