FESA’s inclusive educational model, which provides nutrition, housing, athletic development and character education, is a tested and nationally recognized program resulting in 10 years of graduates now serving in a wide range of occupations who remain committed to the economic development of the nation.

El Salvador has one of the highest murder rates in the world, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Homegrown gangs regularly terrorize citizens through kidnapping, robbery, rape, and extortion.  Alternatives for youth are few and FESA’s programs have provided an alternative to hundreds of youth seeking a more productive future.

FESA’s students are selected from both rural and urban locations which tend to be rife with drug and crime activity and few opportunities for talented youth.  El Salvador is a country where an estimated 30% of the population lives in poverty and only about 30% of the population is given an opportunity to graduate from high school.  Among the youth there are an estimated 39,000 gang members who are targeting recruits at ages as young as 12 years old. 

80% of FESA students come from these neighborhoods with high rates of violence and drug use and 72% of first year students enter the program with signs of malnutrition.  Despite these challenges, within six months of participation in the program, noticeable changes in behavior, health and leadership potential begin to emerge. 

FESA empowers and equips the students and their families with the education and training necessary to overcome these obstacles through providing scholarships which cover housing, meals, transportation and college preparatory education.  The results are clear.  Over 90% of FESA graduates continue their studies at local universities or become scholar athletes in the United States and abroad.