Bolivia: 20 students take a step toward university with Suyana support
Twenty students from the Unidades Académicas Campesonas (UAC) of the Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo” (UCB), located in Pucarani, Tiahuanacu and Batallas, have joined the Suyana Foundation’s scholarship program. This step is part of a broader partnership between the two institutions.
The scholarship recipients are pursuing strategic fields such as health sciences, agronomy, water resources management, veterinary science, and animal husbandry—key areas for the sustainable development of their communities.
The event was attended by authorities from the UAC and the Suyana Foundation Bolivia, reaffirming a partnership that promotes educational opportunities for rural youth.
A program that supports different stages of the journey
The scholarship program includes different modalities designed to support students at key stages of their academic path. In the case of the UAC, 17 students received the Generation Scholarship, aimed at those beginning their university education, while 3 students are part of the Star Scholarship, intended for those in more advanced stages who have demonstrated commitment and strong academic performance.
Both modalities prioritize young people from rural backgrounds, with a strong social commitment and a willingness to create impact in their communities.
Comprehensive support in the training of scholarship recipients
According to a study conducted by the Universidad Mayor, Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, titled “Analysis of student dropout in a public university in Bolivia,” access to higher education in the country has improved; however, students from rural areas continue to be those with the least access to this level of education.
The study also highlights that student dropout remains a recurring issue, particularly among students from low-income and rural backgrounds, due to economic, family, social, and academic factors. Although scholarship programs promoted by the State and universities exist, their coverage and scope are still limited.
In this context, the Suyana Foundation’s scholarship program not only facilitates access to higher education but also promotes retention and academic progress, helping to prevent dropout and strengthen the students’ educational journey.
Additionally, as part of a comprehensive approach, the program encourages participation in volunteer work, field experiences alongside mobile teams, and the development of soft skills such as leadership, public speaking, and teamwork.
Training that returns to the community
Through this comprehensive approach, the Suyana Foundation is committed to developing professionals who not only grow individually, but also actively contribute to the well-being of their families and communities.
Because when a young person gains access to opportunities, the impact does not remain with one individual—it multiplies.
Scholar Testimony
During the event, Denilson Pucho Quispe, an Agroindustrial Engineering student from UAC Batallas and a member of the scholarship program since 2024, shared his experience as a beneficiary.
“Being part of the scholarship program has marked a before and after in my life. It has allowed me to focus on my academic training and move toward graduation without the constant concern of covering my expenses,” he stated.
Denilson emphasized that the support he received has impacted not only his professional development but also his personal growth and entrepreneurship: “The scholarship helped me strengthen a business idea I had from a very young age. Today, I can dedicate more time to making it grow.”
He also shared a message for the new scholarship recipients: “Make the most of this opportunity. Not everyone has the chance to be here. The path is not easy, but with effort and perseverance, it is possible to move forward.”
Finally, he expressed his gratitude to the Suyana Foundation and the academic authorities for the support provided throughout his educational journey.