Gift Package: Provide 2 months of Bridging Year tutoring and mentorship to a township student

All Photos College attrition rates are an astonishing 80% for black youth in South Africa; students either fail their courses or are forced to drop out for lack of funds or adequate support at home. With families living in extreme poverty, it is tempting for youth to abandon dreams of higher education in favor of low-skilled jobs that can contribute immediately to household income. Additionally, many township youth graduate from high school with significant gaps in their academic preparation for college, making an already uphill battle that much steeper. To empower black youth with the competencies and resources they need to succeed in college, SAEP provides an intensive Bridging Year in which they can improve their academic skills, English fluency, and self-confidence while volunteering and exploring college and career options. Toward the end of their year, SAEP helps youth complete applications for college, grants and scholarships. Once the students enter university, SAEP provides ongoing counselling and financial support to ensure their success. This gift package will support a student's costs, including transportation and daily stipend, in order to allow him or her to participate in SAEP's Bridging Year program for two months.