YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

What affect does CasaSito have?

2021 Scholars:

105

Graduation Rate:

98%

Pregnancy Rate:

0%

The plan behind our success:

In 2008, the program was created as a scholarship program for junior high and high school so that talented students from rural and urban areas would have the opportunity to continue their education.

In 2009, the Youth Development Program (YDP) expanded to offering workshops for students and their parents. Extracurricular activities included debate, music, and art.

Today, we have a thriving youth development program which has a pedagogical strategy with realistic and achievable organizational goals, outcomes, and indicators that guide our path on academic, professional, and personal development.

Scholar AV

Why are we targeting education?

We believe that education is the most powerful resource for personal, family and community development. This is why CasaSito’s non-traditional comprehensive youth development program includes financial aid, psycho-social support, and extra-curricular activities that encourage students' personal growth. We form future leaders who can create permanent change for themselves, their families, and their communities.

** According to a 2019 report published by the Centro de Investigaciones Económicas Nacionales in Gautemala

Sacatepéquez

Primary School: 84%

Junior High: 59%

High School: 34%

Alta Verapaz

Primary School: 80%

Junior High: 28%

High School: 12%

Selection Process

Prospective new scholars must go through a rigorous application process. This includes:

  1. An essay

  2. Letter of recommendation

  3. Conduct report

  4. Home visit from a psychologist or social worker

  5. Interview with the scholarship committee

Once the student is selected, he/she will have the opportunity to continue receiving the scholarship until graduation, if all requirements are met.

Financial Support

The average family income in Guatemala is $319.

Through scholarships and support in financial literacy, students are able to focus on getting what they need for their education.

Youth who take responsibility for their education are more likely to succeed.

Psycho-Social Support

The most unique aspect of our scholarship program is that each of the scholars receives individualized attention.

When a scholar encounters a serious situation such as health problems, very low academic performance, bullying, and/or family violence; a psychologist or social worker guides and supports them and provides ongoing follow-up and monitoring.

Personal Development Workshops

We develop and offer workshops for both scholars and their families on academics, life skills, and mental health.

Workshops for scholars focus on personal development from preparing for a job interview to financial planning to self-esteem.

Workshops for parents focus on changing attitudes and behavior and include resources for addressing violence and regarding family dynamics.

Extracurricular Activities

At CasaSito we believe that art and self-expression are vital to empowering youth.

We offer a number of extracurricular activities throughout the year that teach our youth varied skills.

ACCOUNTING CLUB    *    ART CLUB

COMPUTER CLUB    *    DEBATE CLUB 

ENGLISH CLUB    *    MATH CLUB

MUSIC CLUB    *    READING CLUB

SPORTS CLUB    *    THEATER CLUB

Pablo

"I participated in several clubs such as debate club where I was able to develop the ability to express myself better...I am convinced that thanks to CasaSito I was able to face many issues in the best way."

CasaSito scholarship holder Pablo Gustavo Carranza Vásquez