Our Mission
Changing lives, one student at a time.
Who We Are
Planting Futures Baja partners with churches and families in Mexico to plant seeds of education, faith, and opportunity by providing scholarships that allow children to continue their education. Through this support, we nurture each child so they can flourish and create lasting, generational change.
The Need
In Mexico, 40% of youth drop out of high school. Education is not free, and for families struggling to survive, school often becomes a luxury they cannot afford.
We believe no child’s future should be determined by poverty.
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
To partner with churches and families in Mexico to transform communities through education sponsorships that eliminate economic barriers and empower students.
Vision
Empowering
Generational
Change
Values
Relationship
Empowerment
Life Change
Integrity
Education
Faith
FAQs
What does the sponsorship money cover for students in K-12?
Every school year, we provide a new backpack with school supplies, two pair of shoes, uniforms, and tuition (grades 9-12 have tuition).
What does the money cover for University students?
We provide basic school supplies and the remainder of the money goes toward University tuition.
How can I meet my student?
Sponsorship is about more than just providing financial support; it’s about building relationships. We offer sponsors opportunities to meet their students and often their families, too. Planting Futures Baja organizes two trips each year from Orange County to the greater Tijuana area, allowing sponsors to connect with their students in person. We host a Photo Day for all sponsored students in early March and a Fiesta & Graduation Celebration in August. Additionally, through Mariners Church, trips are offered to local churches where students and sponsors can connect during community outreach events. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all upcoming trips.
How do students get the money?
Every effort is made to accommodate families and ensure they receive the necessary funds for education. Planting Futures Baja has “boots on the ground” in the form of two local Mexican administrators who manage our program. These administrators track the students’ progress and, twice a year, hold Payment Days for the families of sponsored students. This allows parents to be reimbursed for their child’s school expenses. Receipts are required for reimbursement.
How are students chosen?
Our partners, Ministerios Transformación, have planted more than 60 churches in the greater Tijuana area, and many of our students come from these local congregations. Each pastor knows the families in their congregation and understands their needs. We rely on the pastors to select those who need sponsorship, ensuring that assistance is distributed equitably among families.
At what age is a student eligible for sponsorship?
Children as young as Pre-K or at any grade level can be sponsored and we support them until graduation. Any student who graduates high school and is accepted by a local university, will be offered a university sponsorship.
Can I choose a child when I go on a trip to Mexico?
Often, volunteers who go on a trip to Mexico bond with a particular child and wish to sponsor them. While this may be tempting, we leave the decision to our local pastors and administrators
Why do students leave the program before graduating?
Each year, we experience changes with some of our sponsored students. Some move away or face circumstances that cause them to leave school. In such cases, we make every effort to contact the student and their family to offer support and encouragement to return to school. If these attempts are unsuccessful, we inform the sponsor about the situation and provide the option to sponsor another student.
How many students have graduated since we started?
Since 2001, when sponsorship began, over 725 students have graduated from high school. Additionally, 185 students have earned university diplomas, trade school certificates, or completed seminary. Each year, we average 25-30 high school graduates and 8-10 university graduates/trade school certificates. Many of our sponsored students have gone on to become teachers, engineers, doctors, and lawyers in Mexico.