(Colonia, Yap) A dozen Micronesian students are headed to prestigious private schools this fall, thanks to Habele K-12 tuition scholarships. These students will attend the independent school of their family’s choosing.
Described as “an investment in human capital,” these grants are funded by donations from former Peace Corps Volunteers, tourists, and other Americans with a personal connection to Micronesia.
Local ownership and sustainability are emphasized throughout the scholarship process by incorporating competition, incentives, and publicity. Habele is an all-volunteer charity based in South Carolina, and relies on private contributions to fund its scholarship programs. Since 2006, Habele has provided nearly $75,000 in targeted tuition assistance for Micronesian students.
Many of the scholars’ families come from isolated islands and atolls spanning Yap and Chuck States. They have been awarded tuition assistance covering 50 to 100 percent of their 2017-18 tuition and fees. These students will attend independent K12 schools on the State Capital islands of Yap, Chuuk and Pohnpei that have among the highest completion rates, test scores, and post-secondary placements in the nation. Most students will be housed throughout the school year with relatives or host families.
The beautiful –and strategically located- islands of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) struggle with isolation and limited natural resources. Comprised of many small islands, languages, and ethnic groups, the Federation was organized in 1986 as an independent republic in free association with the United States. US aid sustains an economy dominated by the public sector. Those bilateral payments are set to expire in 2023.
Habele’s funding is always focused on individual students, not districts or schools. Each year, applications out-pace scholarship awards by nearly ten-to-one. Other Habele efforts include sending thousands of boxes of donated books to public school libraries, providing equipment for school sports clubs and specialty equipment for innovative extracurricular programs.
Established by former Peace Corps volunteers, Habele’s singular mission is the advancement educational access and accomplishment in Micronesian communities. "For a decade now, ambitious Habele scholars have been making their families, teachers, and communities proud through incredible academic achievement," noted a Habele Director. "Extending ambitious students the opportunity to succeed is the simple part."
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