FAQ
> What does “Beca” mean?
Beca is the Spanish word for “scholarship.”
> What does “Beta” mean?
The term “beta” refers to a project that is in development. The beta is the first release of the BECA.org Internet website, so there may be a few minor problems that need repair. We’d appreciate your feedback, if you have any suggestions.
> What is the inspiration for BECA.org?
This one is easy: Kiva.org. BECA.org is trying to do for education in the developing world what Kiva.org is doing successfully for Microcredit: leveraging the Internet to connect people with resources to people in need.
> Why did you choose Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Americas.* Additionally, we have volunteered in Nicaragua and understand the realities of the education system.
*BBC News, Country Profile: Nicaragua, March 2008.
> Do you have any plans to expand to other countries?
Not at the present time. We are applying the concept successfully here in Nicaragua before considering the possibility of expansion to other countries. We do believe, however, that the concept has tremendous potential.
> Who are the people behind BECA.org?
We are a small group of like-minded individuals who believe in the power to combat poverty through education.
> Who are BECA.org’s partners?
Beca.org partners with certified technical schools in Nicaragua. Currently, BECA.org has signed agreements with four schools.
> What percentage of my donation will go to the student's beca?
All of it. BECA.org partners with certified Nicaraguan technical schools that perform and provide administrative services for enrolled students.
> When will I be able to sponsor a student?
Soon. We are currently evaluating the pilot phase (January 2008), in which we have successfully funded forty-seven students studying in four technical schools. If you want, we would be happy to let you know when we are accepting new sponsors for students.
> How can I be assured that the student I sponsor will finish their course?
Unfortunately, there is no clear way to enforce completion. Our partner schools prescreen all applicants for financial need. One of the major goals of the BECA.org pilot is to develop a system that will minimize student desertion. We are currently collecting statistics to offer feedback to our prospective sponsors.
> How do I keep in touch with the students I sponsor?
To qualify for a beca, students must commit to writing journal entries throughout their coursework. Through these journal entries, sponsors will be able to follow the progress of their students.
> What kind of an organization is BECA.org?
Currently BECA.org has no legal status. We are evaluating various options. First, we want to measure the success of the BECA.org Beta before obligating energy and resources to legal incorporation.
> How does BECA.org make money?
BECA.org is 100% non-profit. Beca.org receives no money from our partner schools and commits 100% of sponsor donations to the students' becas.
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