IPI College Scholars Program: Among the poor in Kenya, income and life attainment aren’t much better for those who complete high school compared to those who don’t. To overcome poverty, further education is needed after high school in order to obtain vocational skills or professional credentials.
What is the College Scholars Program?
The IPI College Scholars Program (ICSP) supports promising candidates in attaining postsecondary vocational training and bachelor’s degrees. We pay school fees and living expenses, when needed, that enable individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty.
IPI College Scholars are extraordinary individuals, who have exhibited high achievement and strong commitment to their families and community in spite of overwhelming obstacles. All ICSP scholars are from low-income households in which at least one parent has died. Many are older brothers and sisters who, during secondary school, became heads of households responsible for raising their siblings. They may have missed weeks or months of high school at a time because they had to work to support siblings or and/or an ailing parent.
Most ICSP students attend college in Kenya, either in Nairobi or their home area of Meru. All aspire to give back to their families and communities. Results so far have been remarkable:
Our students are excelling in college and completing degrees that prepare them to be teachers, doctors, and social workers. They envision professional careers and have become entrepreneurial in pursuing graduate school funding;
Relatives who used to shun these students and their families now treat them with respect, even offering material support;
Younger siblings, instilled with hope, are performing better in school;
Students themselves are giving back to their communities by tutoring at their former high schools, volunteering in community organizations, and becoming leaders at the colleges they attend.
Since ICSP was founded in 2006, the program has supported five students in obtaining their undergraduate degrees in teaching, medicine, and business. ICSP has raised over $100,000, all in private donations
ICSP Scholars (L to R) Ben, Prisca, Dominic and Fredah, with IPI-Board Chair Ann Kessel in Kenya, 2009.
How Much Does College Cost?
In Kenya, costs are about $6,000 (US) per year for each student. We seek $30,000 each year to keep a handful of students in school.
Please consider supporting an IPI College Scholar for a term ($1,500), a year, or more. ICSP provides powerful opportunities to build bridges between the US and Kenya. IPI College Scholars write and speak English quite well, and rewarding connections have been made between our students and U.S. students in high school and middle school classes and clubs.
Visit our Scholars and Sponsors page to learn more about ICSP Scholars or find out more about who sponsors our scholars.
Contact Dr. Gary Lichtenstein, ICSP Director, for more information or to sponsor a specific student. To designate a donation, just write ICSP in the memo line of your check.
Gary Lichtenstein 435/672-2444 garyL@stanfordalumni.org
