Keep Teens in School —and on Track
In Playa del Carmen, many students are forced to leave school after they finish middle school.
Once you enter 10th grade, things change in public schools:
- 1st you have to apply and pay the fee
- 2nd if accepted, there are more fees, books, uniforms, etc
- 3rd you or your family are responsible for all costs involved in going to school, including transportation
While these may sound simple, the truth is most low-wage workers don’t own a car, so often getting to school requires walking for ½ hour or more each way.
There is no guarantee you will be accepted. Just this year, 4000 students finished 9th grade, yet the public high school only has room for 2000. That means that immediately, 50% of students end their education after 9th grade.
Even small school fees can make continuing education feel impossible. But with your support, they don’t have to walk away.
KKIS High School Scholarships provide students with the essentials to stay in school—and the confidence to thrive there.
The Reality
For families living on tight budgets, education can be one of the first sacrifices. Fees, books, uniforms, and transport add up quickly—and in many cases, a student drops out not for lack of ambition, but because they don’t have a uniform shirt or the money to print an assignment.
Many low-wage workers in the Riviera Maya use electricity sparingly if they have it, use bikes or motorcycles for transport, and the majority do not have a computer, tablet, or internet in their home. Living on $15 USD per day takes its toll and education is often one of the first things families give up on.
When you sponsor a high school student, you remove those obstacles—and provide a lifeline that leads to graduation.
What Your Sponsorship Covers
$650 per year provides a full scholarship for one high school student.
That includes:
- Enrollment fees and insurance
- Parent association or maintenance costs
- Books and mandatory practices
- Two uniform shirts
- A school supply kit (backpack and materials)
- Graduation certificate costs
- Monthly cell phone credit for school communication
- Special classroom supplies
Each student also participates in structured life skills and academic enrichment:
- English classes
- Biweekly Advisor Sessions with trained facilitators
Licensed psychological counseling, if needed (with parental consent)
Inside the Advisor Sessions
As part of the KKIS experience, all high school scholars attend small group workshops designed to strengthen personal development, communication, and self-leadership.
Topics include:
- Goal-setting and time management
- Emotional awareness and communication
- Career exploration and academic planning
Responsible decision-making and confidence-building
Why It Works
- Retention: Students are far more likely to finish school when they receive consistent support.
- Readiness: Graduates are equipped not just academically, but personally and socially.
- Pathways: Students often continue into KKIS’s University Scholarship Program.
KKIS students aren’t just passing tests. They’re building the resilience and skills to lead their lives with purpose.
Sponsor a Student
When you give $650, you provide a full year of high school opportunity for a student who otherwise might drop out.
- One-time or monthly giving options available
- Matched with a specific student
- Receive annual updates on your student’s progress
Optional meetups or photo/video messages
Monthly Option:
- $55/month supports one student
- $110/month supports two students
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my sponsorship yearly?
Yes, and we encourage it. Many sponsors support the same student through all three years of high school.
What if I want to sponsor more than one student?
You absolutely can. Many donors fund multiple students or an entire classroom each year.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. KKIS is a registered nonprofit in both Mexico and the United States. All donations are fully tax-deductible in your home country.