Sponsor-a-Scholar Program
Want to Become a Sponsor?
We invite you to learn more about our Sponsor-a-Scholar program: Meet our scholars who still need a sponsor, and read about our levels of sponsorship!
Sponsorship Levels
Click on the image below to view it as a PDF.
Please note that sponsorship levels are listed in USD.
Information for Current Sponsors
Gifts to Scholars
Each sponsor can send up to one gift worth no more than $20 (USD) a year to the sponsored scholar. Gifts should be intentional, age-appropriate, and respectful of the dynamics between a sponsor and a scholar (e.g., no gifts of essential daily needs or school supplies).
Dates to send gifts to Starfish headquarters in Pennsylvania that will be brought by our volunteers traveling to Ecuador will be announced at least one month in advance. We usually offer at least one such opportunity during the summer.
Sponsors also may mail a gift to Starfish or make a $20 (USD) donation that will go towards a gift at any time. If you choose this option, we will give the gift as a Christmas gift or birthday gift.
Sponsors visiting Ecuador may give a gift in person, even if it is not Christmas or the scholar's birthday.
Sometimes, when a scholar has multiple financial sponsors or a pen pal who is a different individual from the financial sponsor, more than one person may want to send a gift to the same scholar. In the case of duplicate gifts, we will typically designate one of those gifts to a scholar who has not received a gift. We will ensure that your thoughtful gift will go to a scholar who will appreciate it!
If you have questions about the gift-giving process, please contact Jenn (jenn.zocco@thestarfishchange.org).
Pen Pal Program
If you are a sponsor at the Star, Constellation, or Galaxy level, we invite you to participate in our pen pal program! During the school year, you will exchange three letters with the scholar you're sponsoring.
Do not worry if you cannot read or write in Spanish: Our Spanish-to-English/English-to-Spanish translation team is here to assist you! For each letter exchange, you will receive your scholar's original letter by email, accompanied by an English translation. All you need to do is reply by completing our online letter form. Your letter then will be translated in Spanish, and the scholar will receive the Spanish translation of your letter.
If you wish to opt out of this program, you can inform our pen pal program coordinator, Jenn (jenn.zocco@thestarfishchange.org), who then will find a pen pal for the scholar you are sponsoring.
Sponsor a Scholar!
In Ecuador, families do not have to pay for education, but the costs of uniforms, supplies, and other needs make it hard for students to have what they need to succeed. By sponsoring a scholar, you are an integral part of their education and achievements.
Some Annual Costs Covered by Your Sponsorship for One Student
Please note that costs are approximations and are listed in USD.
Uniforms for SChool: $85
Supplies for School: $85
Textbooks for School: $20
Supplies for Tutoring: $20
Internet and technology for Tutoring: $15
Rent and Upkeep of Tutoring Facilities: $35
Nutritious Snacks: $30
Scholarship Retreats and Field Trips: $55
Monthly Parent meetings: $25
Sponsorships for 2024-2025
If you are a previous sponsor who wants to renew your sponsorship, or a new prospective sponsor who would like to sponsor a Starfish Scholar for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year, learn more or donate below.
Already a Sponsor?
Send your scholar a letter here!