IGLESIA EPISCOPAL DOMINICANA

EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Colegio Kids

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For More Information Contact:

bobsnow_2000@yahoo.com

"Whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me." - Matthew 18:5

Episcopal schools must be self-supporting, because the diocese does not have the resources to subsidize them. 

As a result, our schools depend upon tuition fees to cover their costs.  Even so, the diocese is committed to providing an education to young people, regardless of their ability to pay and their religious affiliation.  This program which is supported by individuals and churches in the United States allows the diocese to do so.

Last year 595 students received financial help from sponsors in the United States.  This year, even more students are seeking scholarships. 

Students benefit most when families invest in their child’s education.  Except for hardship cases, families pay part of their child’s education.   Students receive 1/2 or ¾ scholarships.  The priest for each school determines the amount of assistance each student will receive.

The cost of living in the DR has increased significantly in the last year, impacting all our schools.   As a result more than 700 students are requesting scholarships. 

Scholarship sponsors receive the name of a student, along with a picture, short biography and thank you letter (or drawing in the case of younger students.)  In some cases, the student will correspond at least once more during the year, though this is not required.  Sponsors may correspond with the student.  Sponsors will be sent information on their student near the end of each calendar year.

Unless otherwise noted, the diocesan scholarship coordinator will select a student for each sponsor.  However, a sponsor may indicate the school they wish to support.  Past sponsors may continue supporting the same student, provided the student is enrolled in the program.

Your investment is tax-deductible if you send your check to the Dominican Development Group, a non-profit organization in the United States.  Indicate on the check "Scholarship Program" and mail it to the "Dominican Development Group, c/o of Day Spring, Box 661, Ellenton, FL  34222." The DDG will forward your contribution to the diocese.

When the scholarship program first started, finding sponsors 200 sponsors seemed like an insurmountable task.  This year finding 700 sponsors appears possible, because of a select group of individuals who have answered Christ's call to promote scholarships in their church or diocese.  These individuals have volunteered to promote an "ADOPT A SCHOOL" program in their areas. 

Adopt A School Program

Jack Keester, St. Matthew’s Lincoln, NE, was part of a church team working at St. Stephen’s Church & School in San Pedro. This visit changed his life in many ways, as well as the lives of several young people in the San Pedro area.

Jack formed a non-profit corporation called Colegio Kids.  Colegio Kids is dedicated to seeking scholarships for needy students in the San Pedro area. Colegio Kids promotes the scholarship program by contacting churches, organizations, and individuals in Nebraska.  For more information on education in the Dominican Republic and our scholarship program go to the Colegio Kids web site.

Members of Christ Church in Cooperstown, NY have provided scholarships to students at St. Andres in Santo Domingo for years and St. James Oneonta, NY has done so at Santa Cruz in Santa Fe.  Immanuel on the Hill and Christ Church, both in the diocese of Virginia, and the Southwest Florida ECW, and deaneries in Southwest Florida are supporting students in several different schools.   The Diocese of the DR is seeking additional partners to “adopt a school.”  If you would like to participate, please contact  us as soon as possible.

As a partner, your group can determine the number of scholarships you can feasibly obtain. A minimum of 20 scholarships is required to participate in the adopt a school program. We will provide you with pictures of your students and other materials. Your job will be to find sponsors for these students and coordinate coordinate communications between your group and the school you have adopted.

Though not required, sponsors can provide school materials, or send representatives to visit or work at the school.  Some “adopt a school” sponsors visit at the beginning of the school year to meet and take pictures of their students.  Other groups have sent a work team to paint and prepare the school prior to the school. 

Colegio Kids has offered to help organize other partnerships. To “adopt a school”, please contact Bob Snow in the diocesan office - (809) 686-7493 or bobsnow_2000@yahoo.com.

Lilies of the Field Scholarship Program

Missionaries Bob and Ellen Snow received a $5,000 gift from funds remaining when a retreat center in Nebraska closed. The money was given in memory of the Rev. Clyde Whitney, a Nebraska priest.

With the approval of Rae Whitney, his wife, a fund was established to provide assistance to Dominicans who were not financially able to attend university classes.

Rae Whitney is a prolific writer of Christian poems and hymns. Before becoming a priest, Clyde played in the original Glenn Miller Band. The Whitney’s also served as missionaries in Central America.

This program is being expanded and needs additional sponsors.  Unlike the scholarship program for Diocesan schools, applicants must be Episcopalian and must be active members of their church.

Contributors to this program can make one-time donations of any amount.  These funds will go into a special account from which tuition, books, and transportation costs will be paid for those selected for the program.  A donor can support an individual student and will receive information and regular correspondence with this student.  However, a minimum annual scholarship of $700 dollars a year is required to support this individual.

"You Are My Witnesses"

St. Luke 28:48

Telephone #: (809) 686-7493; (809) 688-6016  FAX: (809) 686-6364