Los Volcanes students and their mothers during the presentation of scholarships.
The Los Volcanes Scholarship Program in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico provided six scholarships, four for college students and two for high school students, from the low-income Los Volcanes community. On December 5, 2025, students received funds to assist with transportation, school supplies, and other essential educational needs.
For many recipients, simply getting to school presents a daily challenge. Some students rely on multiple bus routes, while others face long walks of more than an hour when transportation funds are unavailable. The scholarship support helps ensure consistent school attendance, access to necessary materials for homework, and, when possible, funds for lunch allowing students to focus on learning.
Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise, E. Russell Smith and Luz Maria Ortiz, met personally with the students during the distribution of funds, hearing firsthand how this assistance is helping them pursue their educational goals. Students expressed deep gratitude, sharing that continuing their education would be extremely difficult without this support.
In coordination with the after-school principal, students are required to maintain A or B grades. When possible, students are invited to participate in Rotary-sponsored service projects in Puerto Vallarta, including wheelchair distributions, strengthening their connection to service and community.
This project was funded by the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise Charitable Foundation, with generous support from a Rotary District 5240 grant.
