Education Changes Lives
Law Students: Agents of Change – Maryland State Bar Association Partners with KKIS
March, 2024 – Paradisus Hotel – Playa del Carmen
50
School Supplies packed & donated
40+
MSBA Volunteers
+2500
Backpacks Given Annualy
225
Public high school scholarships
Empowering Future Lawyers Through Education and Mentorship
The Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) and The KKIS Project are proud to collaborate in support of education in Playa del Carmen. Together, we strive to provide scholarships, school supplies, and mentorship opportunities to students in need, helping to shape the next generation of legal professionals.
Just one day after KKIS held its annual gala, three law students, along with KKIS team members, welcomed members of the Maryland Bar Association for an inspiring exchange of ideas. Each student shared their personal journey and the pivotal moments that inspired them to pursue a career in law. Their stories were deeply personal—rooted in witnessing injustice affecting someone they loved. Their passion for justice and accountability underscored the importance of education in transforming lives.
Breaking Barriers: Law Students Share Their Journey
For many young people in Mexico, the path to higher education—especially a career in law—is filled with obstacles, from financial constraints to language barriers. However, the KKIS scholarship program is dedicated to supporting students who demonstrate determination and commitment to their studies.
One of the students who spoke has already been working at a local law firm for over a year and a half, gaining firsthand experience in how legal work can directly impact people’s lives. Despite being only in their second year of law school, she has seen how her efforts contribute to meaningful change and has set her sights on a future in the legal profession.
All three students delivered their speeches in English—their second language—showcasing not only their legal aspirations but also their determination to master a global language essential for their careers. One student admitted to feeling nervous but was met with encouragement from the audience, reinforcing the importance of confidence and public speaking skills.
KKIS’s Commitment to Student Success
As part of the KKIS scholarship program, 38 university students receive four hours of English classes per week, taught by an accredited bilingual instructor. This training equips them with vital language skills, opening doors to more professional opportunities.
KKIS provides public speaking opportunities for its students for several key reasons:
- Building confidence – Speaking in front of professionals helps students develop self-assurance.
- Developing career skills – Public speaking is essential in law, business, and leadership.
- Creating networking opportunities – Engaging with professionals offers students real-world insights and potential mentorship.
MSBA’s Hands-On Impact: Backpacks & Community Support
Beyond engaging in meaningful conversations, MSBA members actively participated in a hands-on initiative to support education. During their visit, they assembled 50 backpacks filled with essential school supplies, ensuring that local students have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom.
Additionally, four MSBA members attended the KKIS gala, witnessing firsthand the impact that scholarships, mentoring, and school supply drives have on the students and their families. Their participation highlighted the significance of international partnerships in strengthening educational opportunities.
We hope this is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration. Next year, we look forward to welcoming even more members from MSBA—perhaps enough to fill an entire table at the gala! Events like these are crucial for keeping students in school and exposing them to professional possibilities they may have never imagined.
Gallery
MSBA in Playa del Carmen
Want to have a team building event?
Inspired by MSBA’s dedication? US companies and individuals have many ways to partner with KKIS:
- Support our programs: Help us provide educational opportunities for deserving students.
- Volunteer your skills: Share your expertise and make a difference.
- Spread the word: Raise awareness about the importance of education in the Riviera Maya.
- Want to have a team building event? We can provide you with our recomended partner for activities and team building for all of your needs. From Backpacks, to building bicycles to wheelchairs and many other activities to help the community with your own event
Contact us today at info@kkisproject.org to learn more about partnership opportunities!
Backpacks Packed
KISS PROJECT
Testimonials
“We think the work that KKIS is doing is amazing and an education gives people the opportunity to change lives. “
Elena benefited from KKIS scholarship program after her dad had an accident that impedes him to work and wasn’t able to sustain her studies.
“We’re so thankful to be parto of this students history! “
KKIS Vision
Improving lives through education.
KKIS (Keeping Kids in School) works to build stronger communities in Playa del Carmen by eliminating financial obstacles to public education. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed, and we are dedicated to making education accessible and affordable for promising students in our community.
KKIS Mission
KKIS provides programming that improves graduation rates for promising students and prepares them for life success by offering financial aid, community connections, and educational support. In addition to academics, KKIS helps students develop essential language, life, and work skills to build a stronger community.
Recognizing that education is often unaffordable for many families in Mexico, we remove financial barriers to keep kids in school through generous donations from individuals and companies who share our values and vision.
