Help vulnerable Argentine students finish college

Celebrating Excellence

We are thrilled to share that we have reached a significant milestone - 150 graduates and counting! Two who graduated this year obtained double degrees, encompassing both a technical degree and the corresponding bachelor's degree. But the real bombshell news is that Vladimir Laura, a Bachelor's in Chemistry, has secured a doctoral scholarship at Conicet (the National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina). He is our first graduate to embark on a Ph.D. journey. The pride and excitement within our community are palpable.

Fostering Collaboration 

In response to Integrar and IntegrarTEC students' persistent inquiries about group work dynamics, we organized a practical teamwork workshop in July. Focusing on the pillars of self-awareness, effective communication, and strategic thinking, the workshop aimed to help students identify their strengths, address challenges, and refine their interpersonal and communication skills. It was most gratifying to witness its immediate impact on our participants. Many swiftly put their newly acquired knowledge into practice, reporting success stories, such as resolving conflicts within their study groups and making well-informed decisions when collaborating in practical work teams.

Meeting with mentors and support teachers

In July, we hosted an informal gathering with volunteers in our newly established office in downtown Buenos Aires. It was heartwarming to count Integrar's graduates among this year´s mentors. We engaged in meaningful discussions about the ongoing academic year and delved into the impact of the Argentinean crisis on our students' morale and academic performance. This meeting also provided an invaluable platform for sharing ideas on enhancing the visibility of our scholarship programs and strategies to foster applications from different neighborhoods. 

IntegrARTE

At the outset of October, we brought together ongoing students from our two scholarship programs, mentors, and support teachers at the Fortabat Foundation, one of our steadfast supporters. The event´s highlight was a motivational talk delivered by Demian Niedfeld, a dynamic and successful young entrepreneur. Demian's journey, inspired by his time as a mentor at Integrar, underscores the fusion of social commitment with entrepreneurial spirit. He went on to establish an NGO providing free training in digital trades, later founding an agency specializing in Growth Marketing for e-commerce, which now boasts a presence across Latin America and Europe. His talk was powerful and inspiring, igniting motivation among all attendees.

We then had the opportunity to explore the Argentine art collection at the Fortabat Museum with a specialized guide who provided background information on a carefully selected number of paintings.  Our students, unfamiliar with art museums, thoroughly enjoyed the experience and many seized the opportunity to visit the rest of the museum.

Challenges and Unwavering Commitment

Argentina is grappling with a deeply rooted economic crisis that has persisted for decades, widening the gap between those with access, skills, and opportunities and those without. The latest statistics paint a bleak picture: inflation has surged to over 140 percent per year, nearly half of the population is officially below the poverty line, and youth unemployment rates have reached alarming levels. 

For the past 16 years, our scholarship programs have provided vulnerable young people a pathway to break free from the cycle of poverty. In these trying times, your unwavering support has played a pivotal role in showcasing the boundless opportunities that arise when individuals are given a chance to excel. We consider ourselves truly fortunate to have you as part of our team.

Thank you for your continued commitment and boundless generosity. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of these exceptional young individuals.

Off to an Outstanding Start!

We kicked off the academic year with great enthusiasm, warmly welcoming 22 new scholarship holders to the 2023 Integrar Scholarship program. They were chosen from a competitive pool of 200 applicants, and let me tell you, these students are an extraordinary group!

During an engaging gathering marked by curiosity and excitement, the students got to meet and connect with each other, setting the foundation for a strong support network throughout their journey. We dived into the nitty-gritty of the scholarship program and the criteria for the annual renewal and introduced the academic tools and support they'll have at their fingertips throughout their journey. We even tackled the lingo of the university world and explained the different study modes and evaluation methods that are more common, so they're not caught off guard.

But we didn't stop there! We equipped them with a study and organization guide, packed with tips, practical advice, and a treasure trove of useful study apps. It was more than a meeting—it was a workshop! and the energy and enthusiasm in that room were palpable and contagious. 

The Impact of the Crisis: A Resounding Effect

Now, let's address the elephant in the room—the Argentinian crisis. We can't ignore it, as it's hitting hard, especially when it comes to the job market. Formal employment opportunities are shrinking, and rising inflation is a threat that looms over salaries. Unfortunately, those who bear the brunt of these challenges are often the most vulnerable, including many of our student’s parents working in the informal sector.

Despite these tough circumstances, we have some positive news to share. Currently, almost all our graduates have secured formal employment. However, more than half of them express a desire to change jobs because their salaries are low.  Additionally, graduates from the past three years are encountering greater difficulties in finding professional jobs related to their fields of study.

What Are We Doing About It? Taking Action!

We know that developing the complementary skills demanded by today's job market requires a comprehensive process and that it´s never too early to be strategic about one´s employability. 

That is the reason why we provide applicants with a comprehensive vocational guide packed with practical information, valuable resources, and thought-provoking activities. The importance of considering career prospects when choosing a field of study is strongly emphasized as it will have long-term implications on their professional and personal lives. And we also invite them to broaden their horizons to consider strategically important careers beyond the obvious options. 

As they progress in their studies, we offer the students a variety of workshops to empower them through information, guidance, and training. In June, we hosted a workshop on teamwork, an invaluable skill for university life and the professional world. Real-life examples, interactive activities, and simulations helped students identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

For the second half of the year, we have two additional workshops planned. One will delve into the art of assertive communication, while the other will concentrate on employability, specifically honing professional profiles.

Furthermore, we continuously strengthen and expand our network with HR consulting firms. We understand the importance of forming strong relationships with companies and professionals in the field to help us to anticipate the needs of an increasingly challenging job market and enhance the visibility of our graduates. We work closely with these firms to identify potential employment opportunities, ensuring our students are well-prepared to enter the job market with confidence.

The journey toward a successful professional career isn't a solo endeavor. We're here, standing by our recipients every step of the way. Together, we're unstoppable!