The Father O'Looney Memorial Scholarship Program
Today, many of the hundreds of Amigos who traveled to Mexico to work on community development projects between 1963 and 1968 continue to actively support development there by way of the Amigos’ scholarship program. In the current semester (January/July 2018), a total of fourteen students – six young men and eight young women - are receiving financial assistance from Amigos. Nine of the fourteen students are at the university or technical degree level, including one female student pursuing an advanced degree in education, and one young man in his third year of theology at the diocesan seminary. Of the other seven students at university level, five students are in engineering of various specialties, one student is studying business specializing in startups, and one student is pursing a nursing degree specializing in obstetrics. One student is at the preparatoria (high school) level, two students are at secundaria (middle school) level and the remaining two student are in fifth and second grades of primaria (elementary school).
[Under the tab "Scholarships", click on the subtab - Onsite visit 2017 - for a full report on the visit with the students].
The scholarship program started over 40 years ago, when Fr. Joseph O’Looney, a founder of Amigos Anonymous, saw Mexican kids dropping out of school in order to help their families who were struggling economically. Over the years, the scholarship program has assisted many students, some for a short time, some through high school and even to technical and university degrees. Without this help these students would not have been able to complete their schooling. The program helps them pay for books, transportation, tuition, and, in some cases, living expenses. While the financial assistance is modest, it makes all the difference to these students and their families. In completing their educational goals, these young people not only face a brighter future but they also become more confident, committed citizens in their communities. Upon graduation many “pay the gift forward.”
After his passing in December 2006, the program was named, “The Father O’Looney Memorial Scholarship Program”.
There are several keys to the success of the scholarship program. Among the most important is the volunteer work of the local coordinator, Rosalia Cabrera, (see the tab under Scholarship Prg.) who selects the students, prepares the budget for each semester, monitors the students’ progress – both individually and at a monthly group meeting – and counsels them regarding graduation and certification requirements and directs them to appropriate job placement assistance.
Several volunteer Amigo-couples, fluent in Spanish, maintain contact with Rosalia throughout the year, and travel to Mexico at least once a year to meet with her and the students. A written report, with details of each students’ progress, is submitted to the Amigos Board and highlights are published in the Amigos’ annual newsletter as well as on this website.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
While Amigos themselves continue to provide much of the support for the scholarship program, we also depend on the gracious generosity of many others – people like you who share our vision of a brighter future for all by helping develop the potential of young people in Mexico. The Christian spirit of helping others in need is the foundation of our work. Because we are all volunteers, over 92 cents of every dollar donated goes to fund the scholarships, and every dollar goes a long way in Mexico. We invite you to join us in our work by making a generous contribution, and share in the joy of knowing you are helping build a brighter future for young people in Mexico. The need for donations is greater than ever this year as so many of the students have now reached the university/technical institute level, requiring a significantly greater level of support.
Please send your contributions to:
Amigos Anonymous (a registered 501(c)3 – tax ID#946123292)
c/o Setsuko Amann
2597 Lambert Court
Union City, CA 94587
[Under the tab "Scholarships", click on the subtab - Onsite visit 2017 - for a full report on the visit with the students].
The scholarship program started over 40 years ago, when Fr. Joseph O’Looney, a founder of Amigos Anonymous, saw Mexican kids dropping out of school in order to help their families who were struggling economically. Over the years, the scholarship program has assisted many students, some for a short time, some through high school and even to technical and university degrees. Without this help these students would not have been able to complete their schooling. The program helps them pay for books, transportation, tuition, and, in some cases, living expenses. While the financial assistance is modest, it makes all the difference to these students and their families. In completing their educational goals, these young people not only face a brighter future but they also become more confident, committed citizens in their communities. Upon graduation many “pay the gift forward.”
After his passing in December 2006, the program was named, “The Father O’Looney Memorial Scholarship Program”.
There are several keys to the success of the scholarship program. Among the most important is the volunteer work of the local coordinator, Rosalia Cabrera, (see the tab under Scholarship Prg.) who selects the students, prepares the budget for each semester, monitors the students’ progress – both individually and at a monthly group meeting – and counsels them regarding graduation and certification requirements and directs them to appropriate job placement assistance.
Several volunteer Amigo-couples, fluent in Spanish, maintain contact with Rosalia throughout the year, and travel to Mexico at least once a year to meet with her and the students. A written report, with details of each students’ progress, is submitted to the Amigos Board and highlights are published in the Amigos’ annual newsletter as well as on this website.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
While Amigos themselves continue to provide much of the support for the scholarship program, we also depend on the gracious generosity of many others – people like you who share our vision of a brighter future for all by helping develop the potential of young people in Mexico. The Christian spirit of helping others in need is the foundation of our work. Because we are all volunteers, over 92 cents of every dollar donated goes to fund the scholarships, and every dollar goes a long way in Mexico. We invite you to join us in our work by making a generous contribution, and share in the joy of knowing you are helping build a brighter future for young people in Mexico. The need for donations is greater than ever this year as so many of the students have now reached the university/technical institute level, requiring a significantly greater level of support.
Please send your contributions to:
Amigos Anonymous (a registered 501(c)3 – tax ID#946123292)
c/o Setsuko Amann
2597 Lambert Court
Union City, CA 94587