San Miguel is a middle school, grades 5-8, in the West End of Providence. Founded in 1993, the San Miguel School operates on the belief that character, zeal, and opportunity, rather than social class or environment, are the determining factors in building a successful life.

The school, conducted by the De La Salle Christian Brothers and staffed by both professionals and volunteers, attempts to liberate and empower young boys and their families spiritually, academically, socially, physically and emotionally so that they may break out of the cycle of poverty, gangs, violence and academic failure. Indeed, the school’s thirteen-year history is filled with stories of great achievement: many of our graduates attend some of Rhode Island’s finest high school and colleges.

Because the San Miguel School is committed to working with the poor, contributions from the families of the boys is nominal, meeting only about seven percent of the yearly school budget.  For the rest, San Miguel relies solely on the generosity of its friends, volunteers and members of the local community.

However, it has become clear that a sustainable, secure future for San Miguel must include a system of sponsorships (already in place for some students) to support every boy in the school. Thus, San Miguel’s Board of Directors is committed to finding a full sponsor for each child entering fifth grade.  Sponsors are asked to contribute $7,200 for each of the boy’s four years at San Miguel.

Sponsors receive two letters from the boy during the year, and are sent copies of the trimester report cards and invitations to school activities and award luncheons.  More importantly, sponsorship is a life-changing act. In a world that, at times, seems beyond our control, sponsoring a child at San Miguel is a direct and immediate way to touch a heart and turn a young life in a positive direction.

On the next page, you will see a picture of one of our entering fifth graders who needs your help.  Please consider serving as his sponsor.

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