Education Beyond 6th Grade: Dreams Can Come True

Dear Friends:

The Shoulder to Shoulder Scholarship program provides scholarships to 150 students to keep them in school after they "graduate" from 6th grade. 

Many Hondurans think that it is OK for a student's education end at the 6th grade level.  Shoulder to Shoulder thinks that students have a brighter future if they can stay in school until they complete High School. 

But, many famiies cannot afford the cost to have their child attend 7th through 12th grade.  This is where the scholarship program comes in -- we supply the students with supplies for school; with uniforms for school; with assistance with transportation expenses; and with assistance with purchasing school lunch.  

If it was not for the help of Shoulder to Shoulder, these 150 students would not continue their education.  Read what one student had to say about the scholarship program:

Hola, buen día.

Hello, good day.

Thank you very much for the scholarship. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and the assistance you have provided. My commitment now is to achieve excellent academic results and demonstrate to you that your investment has not been in vain.

It was a pleasure connecting with you. Blessings.

Shoulder to Shoulder thanks all of our DONORS for helping to keep students in school!

On a bright August morning in 2025, we went to the school “La Libertad” in San Jerónimo, a neighboring community in Concepción Intibucá. We walked enthusiastically along the stony road and arrived at our destination.

La Libertad is an elementary school, teaching children from first to sixth grade. But, the school was facing a unique challenge. Due to having a reduced student population, the school was left with only one teacher, Hermes Amaya, who also serves as the director. 

Despite this, he took on the daunting task of teaching all six grades. A testament to his resilience and determination!  

Click on the video link below to hear Profe Hermes speak about the school.  

One Donor Can Make a Big Difference

Fortunately, he received helped from the scholarship program. A donor told us that she wanted to provide tablets to the students in the school.  We told her how many tablets were needed, and she sent us the funds.  With that scholarship gift, we purchased tablets for the students to use. Profe Hermes is able to teach all six grades, because the children can work on their own using the educational material loaded onto the tablets.

We received this letter of thanks from the parents:

“On behalf of all the students, teachers, and parents, we want to thank all the generous Shoulder to Shoulder donors for contributing to the education of our children. We are sure your investment in our kids' education will produce the best results! THANK YOU!"

Links:

• Professor Hermes speaks about the help he has received