Help 10 at risk youth attain world-class education

Dear Community,

As we begin a new year, we feel energized to continue realizing our mission, and here is how:

We welcomed a new class of students who have adapted very well to the rhythm of UWC Costa Rica, filled with educational experiences such as Conociendo Costa Rica, a program of experiential-based learning designed by our Co-Curricular area to provide context-aware and context-based learning. This program provides students with an enriched vision of Costa Rica as the host country and helps them build meaningful connections and better knowledge of local interactions, partnerships, and economies. Understanding the country's social, cultural, and historical aspects is an effective immersion activity that can actively contribute to improving their problem-solving and collaborative thinking skills; both are considered invaluable abilities for employers and entrepreneurs.

In November, we hosted the Festival of Hope and presented by the International Baccalaureate that united 20 IB schools, both public and private, from all the corners of Costa Rica, empowering 100+ students as "Agents of Change" for a sustainable future We started in San Isidro, the home of our future new campus, to finish the "changemaker" process around nature. We proceeded to the project fair on our current campus in Santa Ana, and, after a 2-month program, the closing ceremony awarded projects tackling recycling, water pollution, and wheelchair accessibility

We are honored to host the first Festival of Hope in Latin America and for all the students, educators, and special guests who joined us on the 29th to celebrate all the final projects, which were elaborated around sustainability and our Sustainability Framework. 

The 2022-2023 Impact Report is a live reflection on our commitment to accountability and transparency as a nonprofit foundation. This report explores the results of all areas and programs of our College, Strategic Plan updates, and Sustainability efforts. We are also showcasing a variety of collaborations and their key participation within our community with the #UWCostaRicaImpactCollabs

We also welcomed the Grieg Foundation and the van Otterloo family, two close UWC Costa Rica community supporters. Our shared values and strong belief in cultivating in young people the passions and abilities to serve humanity and our planet make our partnerships even more special. One of the most notable highlights was the scholarship dinner we shared with students, staff members, and board members. The Grieg Foundation officially presented the third cohort of 9 Grieg Foundation Scholars

We are one week away from unveiling our NEW mission statement, principles and values. Through an inclusive process of community collaboration, our Board of Trustees approved our new mission. A mission statement that reflects the future of the College in the next and exciting step we are about to take which is the move to our NEW campus in less than two years! We grow and reflect on our impact because we care for the future of humanity and our planet. 

UWC Costa Rica is not only the only UWC school in Latin America and the Caribbean but is one of the best 10 schools in this continent.

We have been appointed as the second of two Ashoka Changemakers schools. 1st in the UWC movement.

The Excelligent Magazine named us the Best international school in Costa Rica.

UNHCR awarded us for serving youth in conflict areas.

So far, we have graduated 1,305 Alumni who became real agents of change capable of deeply impacting their lives and the life of surrounding communities

At UWC Costa Rica, we continue to ensure that our fundraising model fits within our new Sustainability Framework:

• The Impact Fund puts CARE for people and the planet at the center of our decisions and actions.
• The Scholarship Fund draws together an inclusive, resilient, and DIVERSE student COMMUNITY by focusing on their potential regardless of their socioeconomic context.
• We transform fundraising and philanthropy so they are grounded on SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE and are inspired by the 10 principles of Community-Centric Fundraising.

Thank you for your continuous support. With deep appreciation,

Jose Pablo Rojas-Brewer
Development Director and proud Impact Fund Donor

P.S. We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on fundraising and sustainability!  Email us at development@uwccostarica.org!

P.P.S.  Remember that every recurrent donation is matched by GlobalGiving, you can join our GEM program and help us sustain our fundraising efforts in support of our scholarship program!

Links:

• Our GEM program
• 2022-2023 Impact Report