Mission: University
Mission: University
Shooting For The Moon
In 2018 the Good Shepherd Agricultural Mission in India started one of its most ambitious projects ever. The goal was to enroll all of the 12th class graduates of the Mission in top colleges across India (and even the world). The Mission: University (MU) program is now heading into its fourth year and will soon have 26 participating students working hard in a variety of challenging disciplines. We invite all supporters who know and love these kids already, or those just looking to make a real world impact, to help us give them this life-changing opportunity.
In a competitive country like India, education is critical. It’s estimated that only 4% of Indian students will ever earn a college degree. Without a degree or a marketable skill, many young people in the country face a bleak future of low paying jobs and little opportunity. The cost of a year’s education is $2500 to $4000 depending on major and school selected. And while this may seem affordable by western standards, it is far out of reach for all but the wealthiest families.
The Solution
As with most all higher education these days, the challenge is how to pay for it. Unfortunately, there is minimal aid available in India and loans are not practical for a children’s home like ours. And so, as we have done for more than 70 years, we are seeking to partner with like-minded individuals to help lift these kids up. Whether with a single donation, monthly support or direct sponsorship of a specific student, together we can actually do this!
The Next Batch
It’s hard to believe but six of our original 8 students will be graduating this spring. Sonia, Job, Kamal, Clifford, Basanti and Jessica. On top of this, Eddu has already graduated – top of her class we might add! Statistically, 50% of Indian college students drop out before completing their degree, but so far, with hard work and dedication, 100% of our students are on track to graduate. Great job, everyone.
Three years into this program, we have 19 students funded and enrolled in top private universities. And in the coming year, we’ll add 7 more, bringing our total to 26! In no particular order, here is next year’s class:
Long Term Impact
This project has huge long-term potential to change these children’s lives. Among our participants we have a future Architect, a Bio-Technician, a Social Worker, a Nurse, a Physical Education Teacher, a Civil Servant, an International Finance Broker, an English Teacher, a Hotel Manager, an Editor and a Child Advocate Attorney with many more to come! While we believe all of these kids have the potential to change the world, we know your help will certainly change their worlds forever.
Meet The Students
We’d love to introduce you to the 19 students from the Mission: University program. We’re so excited to see what the future has in store for them! Highlight over each student to see their degree program and university name.
