CUSP started in 2006 with the mission to enable poor youth in Cambodia to continue their education beyond the 9th grade. 85% of the population in Cambodia live in rural areas where high school is out of reach for most students because of the travel distance. Without a high school education career opportunities are limited, making it very difficult to escape poverty.
How
CUSP identifies poor young rural Cambodians who have done well on the national 9th grade exam, providing them with a dormitory, monthly stipend and adult mentoring in the town of Kampong Thom so they can attend the local high school. Scholarships are provided to high school graduates to attend college and vocational school. CUSP aims to not only solve the poverty issue for these students but to help them thrive as young adults. A nurturing church environment is provided but not required. Engaged Cambodian staff provide guidance and mentoring.
Impact
For the last 15 years CUSP has supported over 150 students in high school in the town of Kampong Thom. Once they finish their education and start to work, they often send back part of their earnings to their families in their home villages.
