The D. Gary Young, Young Living Foundation's flagship project, the Young Living Academy, began in 2009 and is home to our Sponsor a Child program.

When we began in 2009, there were 83 students. Today, the Academy serves 350 children in grades pre-K through 12.

In addition to a top-quality curriculum, the Academy allows students to participate in:

• Music classes
• Drama and dance clubs
• Soccer, baseball, and volleyball clubs
• Computer and English classes
• Hands-on agricultural education and experiences

As part of the agricultural education, students experience the Seed to Seal® process firsthand at the Young Living Ecuador farm.

"At YLA, I have developed and strengthened leadership values like humility and teamwork. I've learned that money doesn't make you a better human—it depends on your feelings and thoughts. I've learned the importance of working and cooperating with my classmates, giving the best I could even if we disagree. I have become a more responsible student and daughter!" – Marosca Peñaherrera, 2017 graduate

Most children in Ecuador drop out of school by the eighth grade, and only 20 percent of local students graduate. The Academy has a 97 percent attendance rate, and 100 percent of our seniors have graduated each year! Beyond that, those graduating seniors are going on to college to pursue dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, and lawyers and working in fields such as business administration, medicine, and tourism.

We believe that all children deserve a quality education, and with the help of our donors, we're providing just that for hundreds of children in Ecuador. Get involved today and help us do more.