History of the Augustinian Scholarship Fund

The Augustinian Scholarship Fund (ASF) was founded in 1984 by Monica Santos who was working as a volunteer at Hogar Infantil “La Gloria”, an orphanage on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico. It was brought to her attention that in Mexico, education beyond the sixth grade is not readily available to most students and the children at the orphanage did not continue their studies after elementary school. In response to this understanding that only through increased education could significant change become a reality in the lives of these students, ASF was created. The program began informally with one student and as time went on, word of the program spread, donations increased and students from the neighboring communities were also given an opportunity to participate.

In the early years the primary goal was for students to complete secondary school (9thgrade). Over the years support has grown and students have been given the opportunity to extend their studies. As long as a student continues to fulfill the requirements of the program they may continue participating in ASF. At the present time we have 65 participants, 12 of whom are studying at the university level.

In January of 2001 a faithful benefactor of the scholarship program, Derwin Archambault III, “Archie” passed away leaving one half of his estate to ASF.  His gift was the impetus for ASF to establish itself as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization in the United States.  Final approval for this was declared in October 2006.  ASF is an independent and separate nonprofit from the Augustinian priests and the orphanage.  ASF is also registered and recognized as a nonprofit organization in Mexico.

Students brainstormed and created the organization’s logo and the Spanish name for ASF, “A Su Futuro” which means “On to Your Future”.  This process enabled the students to “take ownership” and identify in a personal manner with the organization.

Why Education Beyond the Sixth Grade is Not Accessible to Most Students in Tijuana, Mexico

In Mexico students must pay tuition to attend school beyond the sixth grade. Not only must they pay tuition, but they must also purchase uniforms, school supplies and books. The number of schools is limited in Tijuana and as a result many students must travel by bus or taxi to get to school. It is not unusual for a student to take two to four buses a day. Each school year students with the desire and the academic requirements to pursue an education, are denied the opportunity to do so because of the financial and logistical obstacles they face.