Domingo Scholarship Assistance Fund, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping financially disadvantaged high school graduates realize their dreams of earning college degrees. First, we provide scholarship financial assistance so our scholars’ hopes for a college education can become a reality. Second, we mentor our scholars to receive guidance along the way. Our mentoring is extensi
ve – from providing academic guidance to helping instill good character to preparing scholars for entry into the job market. WHO ARE OUR SCHOLARS? Our scholars come to us with big dreams and the drive to become successful. Among the careers they pursue are computer and software technicians, nurses, engineers, architects, business-related practitioners, managers, and professors or teachers. They also come to us from good, hardworking families. However, they and their families lack the wherewithal to pay for a college education. And without financial aid, their hopes for educational advancement would be lost. That is where our Program comes in. We provide scholarship assistance so our scholars can pursue a new future. Our scholars also bring a record of academic success. Some were honor students at their high schools. But we look at a lot more than our scholars’ academic record. We also consider whether they:
• Appreciate the value of a college education
• Are determined to earn an advanced degree
• Have the drive and discipline to be successful
• Have their family’s support
WHAT ELSE CAN WE SAY ABOUT OUR SCHOLARS? They have a zest for life and optimism about their future. Our office hums with their energy, as they gather there to do homework, use the Program’s facilities (computers and internet service), or just to visit with each other. For now, all of our scholars come from Sto. Domingo, Albay, and surrounding communities. One of our long-range goals is to expand the Program so we can help students from places beyond Sto. Domingo. HOW CAN YOU HELP? Most of our funding comes from one of our founders, David S. Curry, and the vast majority of that funding goes directly into paying our scholars’ tuition. Unfortunately, the number of deserving students applying for scholarships far exceeds our resources. And so, if we are to grow our Program and be able to offer aid to more of our qualified applicants, we need to expand our funding sources. That is where you can help. If you are interested in contributing to the Program and to helping us carry out our mission, or if you want more information about our Program, please contact any of the following:
* President, Mrs. Paciencia B. Balin at [email protected]; or
* Mr. David S. Curry at [email protected]
OUR PROGRAM’S SUCCESSES
We are proud of the accomplishments of our scholars. We started small, in 2001, with only 5 scholars in that first year. Now, twenty years later, our Program has had many successes. Some Statistics About Our Scholars
• More than 250 scholars have been enrolled in college
• More than 500 scholars have graduated
• More than 90% of our scholars successfully earn their degrees
Employment Success
Most of our graduates find gainful employment. Here are a few success stories:
* Jovert R. Balunsay, a 2006 Cum Laude graduate, is now teaching at Catanduanes State University as Associate ProfessoPh.D.He earned his PhD in Filipino and authored several books and references.
* Ryan E. Deduque earned his degree as an Electronics Techniis presently, and presently is employed by an international electronics company. After being selected for special training in Japan, he now serves in a supervisory position.
* Christian C. Calleja is a 2007 Cum Laude graduate in Industrial Education. After being recognized as the Most Outstanding Masteral Degree Graduate, he is now a faculty member at the College of Industrial Technology of Bicol University. Mr. Calleja is currently the Internal Vice-President of the foundation.
* Julie Ann Alba-Ballaran, a 2006 graduate in Electronics Technology. After college, she had experience in the electronics industries in the Middle East that brought her to her present job as TLE/TVL teacher in the Department of Education.
* Sheryl B. Baliwas is currently the Board Secretary of the DSAFI. She was a graduate of BS Education in --- . At present, she holds a position as a Senior High School English teacher in Sto.Domingo National High School.
* Cheenee Mendina
* Dennis B. Ballester
* Maria Conception Baliwas
* Kevin B. Baliwas
* Nino B. Palles, a 2003 graduate of Hotel & Restaurant Management, has been employed in food service at an international luxury liner since 2005. We are proud that many of our scholars are giving back to their families and communities by helping other family members pay for their college education. WHAT IS SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE? We believe the best results are achieved when a scholar and their family agree to shoulder part of college education costs. By doing so, they make a personal commitment to the goal of earning a college education. So, while we provide financial support and other academic services, the scholar’s family agrees to pay other expenses, such as textbooks, supplies, and transportation to and from college. OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
* Mrs. Balin, President
* Mr. Curry, External Vice-President & Benefactor
* Mr. Christian C. Calleja, Internal Vice-President
* Ms. Sheryl B. Baliwas, Secretary
* Mrs. Julie Ann A. Ballaran, Treasurer
* Ms. Cheenee Mendina, Auditor
* Mr. Joey M. Balquin, Business Manager
