Shirley Santana Herrera, a 24-year-old innovator from the Dominican Republic, is making significant strides in empowering youth through education. As the founder of Excelsior Academy, she is dedicated to breaking the cycles of poverty that many young people face in Latin America. Through her digital education platform, she offers leadership training and access to global opportunities, aiming to transform the lives of underserved and first-generation students.
Excelsior Academy has already made a considerable impact, serving over 5,000 students from 15 countries, including Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia. The academy provides culturally relevant online courses that prepare students for scholarship applications, global exchanges, and community leadership roles. With a program completion rate of 90%, participants are four times more likely to secure full-ride scholarships for higher education compared to their peers outside the program. In the past three years alone, Excelsior students have collectively earned at least $250,000 in scholarships.
Herrera’s commitment to education extends beyond academics. She also founded Voces de la Tierra, a climate governance initiative aimed at empowering youth to advocate for environmental resilience in vulnerable regions. This initiative complements her educational efforts by linking social justice with environmental advocacy, fostering a holistic approach to community empowerment.
Excelsior’s flagship program, the Gaceta de Oportunidades (Opportunities Gazette), reaches 25,000 students weekly, sharing vetted academic and scholarship opportunities tailored specifically for Latin American youth. By meeting students in rural or digitally underserved areas, Excelsior Academy addresses the real needs of its community, ensuring accessibility and scalability in its programs.
Shirley Santana Herrera’s work has already impacted over 30,000 people directly and inspired millions more. Recognized by global institutions, including the Kofi Annan Foundation, her grassroots leadership in education and empowerment continues to build a brighter future for youth across the region.
Check out the original article here: Source link
