News

BECA.org Leaves Granada (for now!)

Monday, August 11, 2008

Due to questions about quality -- which BECA.org is adamant about maintaining -- Computadoras de Granada has been removed from the program.

We thank them for their participation.

You can read the founder's comments at the Beca.org Blog.

BECA.org Pilot #2 Starts Today

Monday, August 4, 2008

65 Students, a new revised BECA.org program, 4 schools.

You can read about the new students here.

Here Comes the BECA.org Blog

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

The BECA.org team will be making postings about their experiences in developing the BECA.org program.

It's a great way to communicate directly with BECA.org.

There is a link to the blog on the home page or you can go directly there:becaorg.blogspot.com.

MASINFA Graduates

Friday, June 20, 2008

It was a special day at partner school, MASINFA, as our becados officially graduated from their three-month course in Cashier & Computers

The BECA team was honored to attend and partake in the event.  But the day belonged to our graduates, who celebrated with ceremonies, folkloric dancing, and tasty Nica snacks.

¡FELICIDADES, BECADOS!  Job well done.

MASINFA Graduating Class June 2008

Maria Luisa Araque Garcia

Application Season Opens

Thursday, June 12, 2008

It’s that time again!  Applications for Pilot #2 are officially underway.

Applicants will have three weeks to write their essays, sign their forms, and prep for their interviews.

Stay tuned in the next few weeks for our next group of candidates will be ready for school shortly.

Certificates Awarded

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Our very first class of becados was awarded nationally recognized certificates for completion of the Windows Office course at partner school, INTECOMP. 

The certification not only serves as a credential for future employers, but also as a reminder of achievement and success.

William Raymundo García Zúñiga

3…2…1…Pilot #2!

Friday, June 6, 2008

Directors, professors, and supervisors from BECA.org partner Technical Schools gathered in Masaya today to officially launch Pilot #2. In typical Nica fashion, we packed into the conference room of our central hub, battling the heat and claustrophobia.

The day began with theoretical training on the missions and procedures of BECA.org, and concluded with practical training for our partner schools, including a section on “How to write a Blog.”

Overall, our partners certainly left training having learned a few things. Just see for yourselves in a blog from partner school CECIM : http://testingthismofoout3.blogspot.com/

Brian Alvo Leads BECA.org Training

Final Day of Class for MASINFA Becados

Monday, May 20, 2008

12 more students are finishing today, thanks to the BECA.org program. They have been taking the "Cashier and Computers" course at partner school MASINFA.

Congratulations to all!

Preparations begin for BECA.org Pilot #2

Thursday, May 1, 2008

47 "becados" were successfully placed in four Nicaraguan technical institutes in the first pilot. The age range of the first group was 13 - 45 years of age. Most of the students were in their late teens. Results have been encouraging enough to propel the BECA.org team to begin plans for a second pilot.

We're evaluating changes in the age for entry into the program and also are thinking of instituting an "introductory" BECA.org course. The idea is that if the student attends and passes the introductory course, fulfills their social project obligation, and makes regular diary entries, they can re-apply for something more substantial.

First BECA.org Class Graduates

Thursday, March 27, 2008

It was with great pride that the BECA.org team stood by while the first group of "becados" from the community of Villa Betania, Masaya received their grades (average grade: 82%) at partner school INTECOMP.

First Partner School Directors' Meeting

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

The directors from the four partner schools - together with the BECA.org team - met as a group for the first time today in Masaya, Nicaragua. The idea was to exchange ideas, review the BECA.org program to date, and introduce some of the changes the BECA.org team is hoping to effect in the second pilot.

Cool . . . Another Sponsor Visit!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Sponsor Cristina, from neighbouring Costa Rica, dropped in on becado Enyi del Socorro Davila today.

BECA.org arrives in Granada

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Today a BECA.org class of 12 began a six-month Computer Operator course at Computadoras de Granada. This brings to four the number of participating partner schools, and to 47 the number of Nicaraguans sponsored through the BECA.org program.

Partner School MASINFA Welcomes BECA.org

Monday, February 18, 2008

12 eager students will be taking a Business Cashier course at MASINFA, thanks to BECA.org and generous sponsors. The course will be for a duration of 3 months.

13 Nicaraguans awarded Becas in Ciudad Sandino

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Partner school CECIM in Cuidad Sandino will be delivering instruction to 13 students in a varied selection of courses: baking, dressmaking, computer operation. All of the courses begin in February. Congratulations to the new "becados"!

Beca.org website Beta goes live!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Adelante!

First visit of a Sponsor to Nicaragua

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Becados Eyling and Martin were in for a pleasant surprise this weekend: a surprise visit by their sponsors Brock and Suzy of Costa Rica.

Class begins for first group of “Becados”

Monday, January 7, 2008

Eight youngsters (ages 13 – 16) from the community of Villa Betania (Masaya, Nicaragua) began their three month Windows-Office-Internet course today at our partner school: Intecomp. We all have our fingers crossed.

First group of Becas awarded

Thursday, January 3, 2008

For the “beta” of Beca.org, we decided to concentrate on one “poor” community in Masaya, Nicaragua to recruit candidates for the first round of becas. In all we received 15 applications all interested in studying computer-related courses. 11 becas were awarded. 8 will be studying Windows-Office (three months in duration), 2 more are taking a more intensive “Computer Operator” course (six months), and 1 will be studying Programming for one year.

Beca.org signs up first partner school

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Intecomp, a local (Masaya, Nicaragua) technical college dedicated to mostly delivering computer courses has joined Beca.org as a partner school.

Purchase of “Beca.org” domain name

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

“Beca” means scholarship or grant in spanish. Since the program is starting in Nicaragua, “Beca.org” seemed like a “natural.” Unfortunately, the domain was already “taken.” It cost us a few dollars, but we got it. Our way of putting our money where our mouth is.