Nicaragua Backpack and Scholarship Project

Ark of Salvation Church children with their backpacks.

More than a backpack …

In 2004, St. Paul’s members, the Nicaragua mission team, along with their families and friends raised over $5,000 and began the Backpack and Scholarship Project for impoverished Nicaraguan children and youth.

Providing a $15 backpack filled with supplies is just not possible for many Nicaraguan families. We learned that many of the parents had finished only 4th–6th grade. These families, many who live on $2/day, can’t possibly provide school supplies or $300 yearly university tuition. So many children were just not going to school.

St. Paul’s became an “answer to prayer” for hundreds of these students and their parents with the beginning of the Project. As the Project grew from just a few backpacks that first year, the missionary learned of the true dedication of these students to their studies. In January 2016, St. Paul’s families and friends raised $19,736.50 and 719 children and youth began the school year at elementary schools through universities. Some of our earlier young students are now graduating from college. All because of your generosity.

Checks may be made payable to St. Paul’s UMC with “Nic. Backpacks #24205” in the memo line and placed in the offering plate or mailed to Barb Taylor, 856 Galen Drive, State College PA 16803.

You can also help us reach our goal by letting us turn your trash into cash through our Terracycle® Collection Program. Click here to learn how!

Thank you, St. Paul’s!