EDUCATION
"ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE, EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS"
At Dorado Cares, we believe that education is the cornerstone of a thriving community. Our mission focuses on providing access to quality educational resources, mentorship programs, and extracurricular activities aimed at enriching the lives of children and youth in Puerto Rico. We recognize the urgent need for enhanced educational opportunities, especially in underserved areas, where students often lack vital support. With your help, we can implement innovative programs that foster learning and creativity, paving the way for a brighter future for our children.
CHAIRPERSON: Josellyn “Josie” Gonzalez - 347.205.5953 josie@doradocares.org
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Alma Sloan
BENEFICIARIES: TASIS, ACUTAS, Girasol School, Lovely Little Einsteins Preschool
VIEW PRINT-READY EDUCATION MISSION FLYER
PROGRAMS
Program 24:
ACUTAS Back 2 School Back Packs
Program Overview
n August 2025, just in time for the start of the new school year, Dorado Cares provided $4,000 in funding to purchase, pack, and distribute age-appropriate backpacks filled with all the school supplies children will need for the 2025–2026 academic year. For the children served by ACUTAS in Toa Baja—many of whom come from single-parent homes or families where both parents are working—this simple gift removes a real financial burden and ensures they can walk into school prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
But for Dorado Cares, this is not a one-time gesture. The Back-to-School Backpack Program is just one part of our $41,000 commitment to ACUTAS in 2025 alone. Earlier this year, we provided a $3,500 pallet stacker to help the center more efficiently move and store food donations, and we granted $18,000 to directly support their vital after-school program, which offers tutoring, vocational training, recreation, and a safe place for children to belong. And as we do every year, ACUTAS will be a beneficiary of our Year-End Gifting Program, which brings joy to over 6,000 children across Puerto Rico during the holiday season.
Our partnership with ACUTAS extends beyond funding—it’s about strengthening a community cornerstone that serves both children and adults. By day, ACUTAS offers elder programs where seniors can learn new skills like technology, and during the summer, they take children to see parts of Puerto Rico they might never otherwise experience. Soon, our new Dorado Cares commercial kitchen will begin delivering 100 hot, healthy meals each week to ACUTAS, ensuring that those who come for learning and community also receive the nourishment they need.
For us, the backpacks are more than school supplies—they are a symbol of readiness, opportunity, and hope. And when paired with the broader support we provide, they help ensure that ACUTAS can continue to be the safe, vibrant, and life-changing place it is for so many in Toa Baja.
Impact Statements
Program 23:
Carta Futuro Back 2 School Back Packs
Program Overview
In August 2025, Dorado Cares answered a direct call from the Municipality of Toa Baja to meet a need that could not be ignored—ensuring preschool-aged children had the tools and confidence to begin their first steps into formal education. Through our Carta Futuro – Llanero Edad Temprana initiative, we reached 159 four- and five-year-old students across six public schools, each of whom received a brand-new backpack filled with thoughtfully chosen, age-appropriate school supplies. Inside, they found notebooks for their first letters and drawings, crayons to explore creativity, pencils and scissors to build fine motor skills, and a storybook to spark a love of reading from day one.
For many of these children, it was the first time they owned something entirely their own for school—a small but powerful gesture that fosters pride, belonging, and excitement for learning. It was also a moment of relief for parents, many of whom face economic challenges and were spared the stress of purchasing these essential supplies. Teachers, too, welcomed the program, knowing their students would arrive better prepared, more confident, and ready to engage.
But this was more than the distribution of backpacks—it was a statement of belief in the potential of every child. By collaborating with local leaders and acting quickly to address this need, Dorado Cares reaffirmed its mission to invest in the future of Toa Baja’s youngest residents. These are the years when foundations are built, when curiosity takes root, and when the right tools can shape the trajectory of a lifetime.
With Carta Futuro – Llanero Edad Temprana, we are not just preparing children for their first day of school—we are preparing them for a lifetime of possibility.
Impact Statements
Program 13:
TASIS Educational Foundation
2024 Tuition Assistance
Program Overview
In 2024, Dorado Cares reaffirmed its dedication to education by awarding a multi-year scholarship of $16,337 a year to a deserving student through the TASIS Dorado Educational Foundation. This initiative supports a local Puerto Rican student facing significant family hardships, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial strain. By providing this crucial assistance, Dorado Cares empowers the student to focus on their education and aspirations for a successful career. This investment in the future not only changes the course of one student’s life but also strengthens the community by fostering a generation of motivated and accomplished individuals.
Impact Statements
Program 9:
ACUTAS Educational and Recreational Youth Resources
Program Overview
In 2024, Dorado Cares donated to ACUTAS Educational & Recreational resources aimed at enriching the lives of the individuals who rely on the ACUTAS community center in Toa Baka. With a small but meaningful investment of $3,991, Dorado Cares procured essential educational resources, including printers, speakers, books, and classroom furnishings, which have greatly enhanced the learning environment for both the youth engaged in after-school programming and the elderly who utilize the center during the day for adult education and life skills.
In addition to the educational materials, Dorado Cares recognized the importance of recreational activities in fostering creativity and physical well-being. The initiative also included the purchase of art supplies, paint supplies, and sporting equipment, making it possible for the center to offer a diverse range of activities that cater to all age groups. By investing in these vital resources, Dorado Cares not only contributes to the personal development of the community’s youth but also promotes social interaction and engagement among its elderly members. This program exemplifies Dorado Cares’ commitment to uplifting communities and ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to thrive and enjoy a fulfilling life.
Impact Statements
Program 7:
TASIS Educational Foundation
2024 Tuition Assistance
Program Overview
In 2024, the Dorado Cares Program took a significant step in furthering its educational mission by donating $15,000 specifically for tuition assistance aimed at two determined and aspirational Puerto Rican students. This contribution was allocated to the TASIS Dorado Educational Foundation, an esteemed institution known for providing one of the highest levels of secondary education in Puerto Rico. The recipients, a brother and sister from a local Puerto Rican military family, faced financial challenges that hindered their access to this prestigious school. With the support of Dorado Cares, these highly motivated students can now pursue their educational dreams without monetary barriers. Our hope is that this financial assistance not only enables them to excel academically but also paves the way for their transition into higher education and successful careers. We are proud to commit to this initiative over multiple years, ensuring that both students receive the support they need to graduate high school and achieve their goals. Their impressive potential inspires us, and we are delighted to play a role in their journey towards success.
Impact Statement
Program 6:
ACUTAS - 2024 Teacher Recruitment
Program Overview
In a heartfelt commitment to uplift underprivileged children in Puerto Rico, Dorado Cares allocated a $15,000 grant to ACUTAS in 2024. This funding was instrumental in recruiting passionate teachers and coaches during the summer months, creating an enriching experience for local children who might otherwise lack access to such opportunities. Through engaging programming that included coding and robotics, sport and recreation events, meal preparation and distribution, family workshops, and cultural field trips, we offered these young minds the chance to explore their interests and talents. Our contribution was not just financial; it was an investment in hope and possibility. Together, we are building a brighter future—one where every child in our community can learn, play, and grow, regardless of their circumstances. At Dorado Cares, we believe that every moment spent nurturing a child's potential is a moment dedicated to shaping a stronger, more vibrant Puerto Rico.
Impact Statment
Program 5:
The Girasol School - Teacher Training 2024
Program Overview
In 2024, Dorado Cares proudly donated $15,000 to the Girasol Montessori School, a beacon of hope for early childhood education in our community. This grant facilitated invaluable Montessori teacher training and professional development for the dedicated teaching staff, transforming the educational experience for young learners. By providing access to a quality and alternative learning environment, we empowered local families with the opportunity to nurture their children’s curiosity and creativity through innovative teaching methods. The impact of our contribution reaches far beyond the classroom; it creates a foundation for lifelong learning, inspiring future leaders in Puerto Rico. Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and through our support, we’re ensuring that the next generation in Dorado has the tools they need to succeed. Girasol has 35 students K-5tth grade and 5 teaching staff.
Impact Statements
Program 3:
Lovely Little Einsteins - Teacher Training 2023
Program Overview
Teacher training and certification is the bedrock of providing quality education to young children and students. Dorado Cares was delighted to support Lovely Little Einsteins by providing a grant to go towards training and teacher certification for early childhood educators. The CDA program is a requirement in Puerto Rico for those wishing to teach in early childhood educational environments.