We first arrived in Los Cabos in 1990 and bought our condominium in El Conquistador in San Jose del Cabo in 1991. At that time, there was not really a middle class in Los Cabos and there were very few businesses to service both the Mexican middle class or expats. The entrepreneurial spirit has always been here – as evidenced by small business after small business, often in the front or back yard of the owner’s homes. Unfortunately, the lack of capital, credit, services and education impacted the potential growth of this sector.

Research around the world has shown that an increase in the college educated population is related to economic growth in developing countries. This is a major need in Los Cabos as well. While there are organizations that support basic education in the region, helping graduating seniors with high potential get a university education has been less of a priority, except for organizations like Liga Mac.

After several years operating informally, Monarch Effect Foundation has finalized its legal status as a non-profit organization with the mission to make higher education a reality, to help create a future where every inspired, motivated, and talented young student living in Los Cabos, Mexico can unlock their full potential and thrive in the academic arena. Monarch Effect Foundation’s program identifies high potential students in high school, whose families do not have the necessary financial resources to send them to good universities in Mexico or other countries (even if they have scholarships for tuition). By Monarch Effect Foundation does not just hand out financial support scholarships, they act as mentors for their students – offering seminars, workshops and one-on-one time to prepare them to study outside the country and succeed. The students and their families make a commitment to help build a professional class in Los Cabos by becoming interns during their time off from university, mentoring other students preparing for a university life and supporting each other.

The Founders of Monarch Effects Foundation – Eric Parizek, Lisa Heid, Elizabeth and Alberto Fernandez, Martin Waldbaum and Sarah Williams – have been supporting seven students – some for several years already. Now, with the formalization of the Foundation’s status and the ability to receive tax-deductible donations, the organization is on a path for growth. A number of worthy students have been identified – several of whom have received tuition scholarships from their foreign universities – who are in need of support for travel and living expenses beyond the contribution of their families. In Mexico, there are no reasonable educational loan programs like in the United States.