It’s About Kids is a California-based nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status, founded in 1997. We exist to connect people in the U.S. with an extraordinary mission adventure in Ecuador, South America, where our sister foundation that shares the same name, is the legal cover for our learning and discipleship campus Montebello Academy. Together, we support a project that bring lasting impact to children and communities that extend to the furthest reaches of the world.
Mission: We provide children from marginalized communities with access to the best education in Ecuador, designed to create disciples for Christ with an open door to carry the Gospel to wherever in the world God may lead. Through our sponsorship program, supporters step into a child’s story, playing an active role in ensuring that child has the opportunities, resources, and hope they need to thrive. More than meeting immediate needs, we are building lasting change and equipping each student to rise above unimaginable limitations and live out their God-given potential
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord… “plans to give you a future and a hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah’s words, spoken over 2,600 years ago, still speak powerfully today. As each new generation navigates the transition to adulthood, we recognize that for some, the journey carries a heavier weight. In many parts of the world, “marginalized” isn’t just a label. It’s the lived experience of limited options and unseen potential; a chasm between reality and opportunity.
From here to anywhere! Adelyn and Carol are stepping into a future where they can choose where to live, study, and serve God.
That is why we exist. Our mission is to bridge the gap between what is and what could be. We want to give children access to real choices and to the kind of power that transforms lives.
You can be part of that change. Whether you choose to join a group effort to underwrite a child’s education or to personally cover the full cost of learning for one of these students, you will, by doing so, be stepping into something deeper than traditional sponsorship programs you have hear about.
While many of these wonderful organizations meet urgent needs, our mission reshapes a child’s future for the lifelong ministry of doing the same for others. It is about moving that child from mere survival to flourishing, and from distant dreams to tangible hope and a mission of their own.
With 15 graduating classes to date, the results speak for themselves through the lives and testimonies of our alumni. What began as an experiment we call Montebello Academy (“Our Story”), has become a proven model. We developed a hybrid learning methodology, inspired by some of the highest-performing education systems in the world, and made it accessible to underserved kids.
Rodriguez Family
Nico Lopez
Kharis Sanchez
Most of us have had our idea of joining a mission through sponsorship shaped by wonderful organizations such as those whose names are very well known. With these organizations a child is selected by the sponsor and a $20-$40 monthly donation is arranged. Those gifts are then pooled for the community where the child lives to cover the cost of a variety of projects from which the child can benefit. Our sponsorship is distinct in that it is direct and aimed at a specific outcome for a selected child…the best education in the country with an intimate discipleship environment where the Image of God (Imago Dei) can flourish in the life of the child. We derive the cost of sponsoring the future of a child as described by our mission by taking the direct education costs (no non-school organizational overhead, which is covered separately) to get a per-student average of $4,620 per year ($385/mo.). Yes, a very different consideration aiming at very a different outcome. Sponsorship can be covered individually or as part of a group of four sponsors at $96 per month.
Ways to be a Sponsor:
1. Sponsorship of a child as part of a group of 4 sponsors at $96/mo. who will make up the $385 monthly education cost of the child, OR,
2. As an individual donor, by a monthly gift of $385 (annual amount of $4620).
To see the kids:“Sponsor Now”
Non-Direct Sponsor Donations:“Donate”
And, of course, if information about a child waiting for a sponsor is desired before deciding to sponsor, we would be happy to respond to your request. For inquiries, please send us your questions through the “Contact” portal. Any other aspect of the mission for which you would like information is also available upon request by following the directions found in the Contact portal. .
Our Student Services Coordinator will be constantly monitoring student wellbeing, providing necessary interventions on an ongoing basis and passing on to sponsors relevant information regarding how the sponsored student is thriving at school. Once sponsorship has been established, we provide sponsors with a Sponsor / Student Communications Portal for direct email communication.
The opportunity to offer a child an education at Montebello Academy begins with a child being recommended for sponsorship. Montebello Academy does outreach to selected public schools in very poor neighborhoods where the child and Montebello staff have a God-orchestrated encounter. In some cases, Montebello teachers or parents refer a child they know of…AND there is a history of other remarkable means God has used over the years that have added to “Our Story”
There have been circumstances that produce a need for a sponsor among existing Montebello students…including a child who has lost their sponsor. However, this program is offered primarily for new students who have qualified to enter Montebello for the first time. Any exception to this rule would be disclosed to a prospective sponsor beforehand or be made known in a special search for a sponsor.
The cost of a Montebello Academy education is approximately $4,620 per year. We derive the cost by taking the direct education budget (no non-school organizational overhead, which is covered separately) to get a per-student average of $4,620 per year ($385/mo). For a group of four (4) sponsors who together support the child as a team, the amount $96 per month per sponsor. Teams can be organized by creating their own team, or by individuals being added to 3 others by us to form the group of 4.
100% of your support goes to the child’s education expenses. (tuition and materials)
