“We wanted to help them figure out who they are, where they’re headed, and how they’re going to get there” – Gayle Collins, Founder of the KKIS Project.

This year has been one of the most exciting years for all of us at KKIS. Thanks to an amazing group of donors and sponsors, KKIS has expanded its reach in the Riviera Maya and currently offers 93 students full high school and university scholarships. The Advisors Program was created to keep the KKIS high school scholars motivated and on the right path. “The scholarship keeps kids in school and helps ensure they graduate, but we also wanted to help them grow. The Advisors Program was created to help students figure out who they are, where they’re headed, and how they’re going to get there”, explains Gayle Collins, Founding Board Member of KKIS.

The Advisors

We chose the Advisors carefully, contacting local professionals from our network who we thought would be great examples for the teenagers. Each Advisor is assigned 8-10 students. “Each student has an adult who knows them and helps them navigate high school so that they leave with a meaningful personalized plan and prepared for life after high school”, Gayle explains. “The Advisors make the material come alive for the students, keep them engaged and moving forward. Without such a great group of advisors, the program wouldn’t succeed!”, she adds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPN9E45bMc0&list=PLMdqWtPinY2ceSzukiLC1GyEKifbvwruv

The Sessions

Once a month, Advisors and KKIS representatives take part in a one-hour session held in each school. The scholars have to commit to these sessions, participate in the classroom and work in their free time on special assignments. The Advisor Program is divided into three:

1. For 10th grade scholars: Discover yourself.
2. For 11th grade scholars: Discover your world.
3. For 12th grade scholars: Discover your path.

The Scholars

The high school scholars attend the following high schools:

1. CETMAR 36
2. CECYTE I
3. CECYTE II
4. CONALEP
5. Bachilleres
6. CECYTE Tulum

To learn more about our Scholarship Program in the Riviera Maya, click here! If you want to Keep a Kid in School, donate here!