The KKIS Project: Investing in education. Investing in Mexico’s future.

At KKIS, (Keeping Kids in School), we believe that education is life changing for students, families and communities. Over the past 7 years, our model of augmenting financial assistance with community connections and educational support has delivered a graduation rate of 95%.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

• Donations increased 64% over last year thanks to GMB who sponsored scholarships for 35 high school students and a significant one-time general donation from Headcount.org
• End of year Reserve Fund and prepaid scholarships = 54% of the annual cost of scholarships.
• Moved towards a more formal operating structure by hiring two and a half staff.

2019 will focus on:

• Growing the University Scholarship Program so more graduating seniors can continue their studies.
• Stabilizing monthly income through a sustainable giving program.

IMPACT:

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Extraordinarily low wages for workers, combined with a public education system that is not free after 9th grade, results in many children in Mexico not attending school simply for lack of money. Our financial assistance programs help children and young adults receive an education.

The KKIS Scholarship Program ensured:

• 78 teenagers stayed in high school receiving an avg. GPA of 8.9 of 10
• 18 of 19 senior KKIS Scholars graduated from high school
• 7 young adults completed a year of university receiving an avg GPA of 9.0 of 10

KKIS School Supplies Program ensured:

• 2,402 students received school supplies this year
• 79 classroom teachers received classroom basics

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS:

Exposure to people outside of one’s normal orbit inspires new ideas about life. KKIS brings education-focused opportunities to public school students, opening minds and opening doors. In 2018, KKIS:

• Launched an Advisor Program, connecting scholarship students with young professionals for monthly guidance and group discussions.
• Inspired 1,800 primary & secondary students with visual and humorous talks by Karla Munguia about how to turn dreams into reality.
• Negotiated paid internships for students with a large hotel chain.
• Introduced 160 students to professional careers through field trips to the Architects and Engineers Association.

Educational Support:

Public schools require public support. For years KKIS volunteers have been helping students with English language skills and sponsoring contests organized by schools. In 2018:

• 98 KKIS Volunteers provided 2,247 student hours worth of English Conversation to public high school students.
• KKIS English Conversation Club served 3 of 5 public high schools in Playa del Carmen.
• Reinforcing the importance of Math, Spelling & Poetry, KKIS sponsored contests touching nearing 4,000 students.

Thank you, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and teachers for making 2018 a great year for kids in Playa del Carmen!