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.