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I created this innovation because I grew up witnessing the impact that a lack of access to information can have on talented students. My mother is a brilliant woman who never had the chance to go to college—not because she lacked the ability, but because she simply didn’t have access to the right opportunities or information, like scholarships or academic programs. My older brother faced the same situation.
Luckily, I was accepted into COAR, where I discovered a world full of possibilities. But I couldn’t stop thinking: What if others like my mother or brother had this access? I didn't want future students with dreams and potential to be held back just because they didn’t know where to look.
At the same time, I saw how traditional schools often overlook the importance of applying knowledge through extracurriculars or competitions, and how students in rural areas—especially those without internet—are left even further behind.
This innovation is my way of breaking that cycle. It’s for students who want to grow but are held back by barriers they didn’t create. I want to make sure no student misses out simply because they didn’t know an opportunity existed.
In practice, my innovation is a nationwide outreach project that connects Peruvian students—especially those from underserved and rural areas—with academic opportunities they often don’t hear about.
In 2023, I launched this initiative by visiting 15 high schools around Lima, directly reaching over 13,000 students. I offered talks and personalized guidance on extracurricular activities, scholarships, and programs they could apply to, such as UWC, COAR, and Youth Ambassadors.
Realizing the deep educational gap for students outside Lima—particularly those in rural areas without internet—I expanded the project online. We began offering free webinars, which have already reached 1,100 participants, helping them understand application processes and how to prepare.
We also created a free-access website and social media channels to make information more accessible at any time. On top of that, I worked directly with two rural schools, training not just students, but also teachers and school leaders about available national programs. We even organized two days of volunteering with 20 youth participants to build community engagement.
This project is about creating bridges—between talent and opportunity, between information and action.
The innovation has been spreading organically through school networks, social media, and word of mouth from students and teachers who have benefited.
After visiting 15 schools in Lima, many teachers began recommending the project to their colleagues in other districts. The webinars and online sessions also allowed us to reach students in remote regions, including areas with limited educational resources.
Our social media platforms have become key tools—students share the content with their classmates, and schools have begun reposting and recommending the website and webinar links. As a result, more schools and rural educators have reached out to request sessions or materials.
Additionally, the volunteering activities helped bring new youth leaders into the project, and some of them are now helping replicate the model in their own communities.
If you want to try this project in your own community, here’s how you can start:
Create a resource document that gathers key academic opportunities available in your country—such as scholarships, national programs, contests, and international exchanges. Make sure the information is clear, updated, and especially useful for high school students.
Contact schools in your area and schedule a visit. Speak with the school head or academic coordinator to explain your goal: to share valuable information that can open new paths for students.
Present the opportunities directly to students, through talks, workshops, or tutoring sessions. Make the sessions interactive so students feel confident asking questions.
Expand your reach through digital tools—create a website, social media page, or WhatsApp group to share updates and answer questions after the sessions.
Keep track of your impact (students reached, sessions held) and ask for feedback to keep improving your approach.
This way, you become a bridge between students and the opportunities they deserve but often never hear about.
