Scholarships to Keep Students in School

At Alta Don Mario, a Fair Trade Certified grape producer group in Sonora, Mexico, workers identified a common challenge affecting their families: ensuring their children can progress and remain in school. While public education is free, many households face additional costs such as uniforms and transportation, which can limit consistent attendance. In some cases, students are unable to attend classes without meeting these requirements. To address this reality, the worker-led Fair Trade Committee launched a targeted scholarship program for 2025. They directed $ 22,500 USD of Community Development Funds to cover these specific school-related expenses. The program supports up to two children per worker, ranging from primary school all the way through university, as long as the students maintain a minimum grade average of 9.0 during the academic cycle. This practical initiative directly removes heavy financial barriers, allowing 500 students to stay enrolled, engaged, and fully focused on learning. By lifting the burden of these essential costs, parents can confidently send their children to class every day. Looking ahead, the committee plans to expand the program's reach and number of those who can benefit from this project each year. Their ongoing goal is clear: help more families receive this vital support, paving the way for the next generation to consistently advance their education.