Centro Maria Mazzarello Alespi Inc

The "Centro Maria Mazzarello, Alespi," Inc. is a non-profit institution established since 1987 as part of the commitment of the Salesian Sisters in Puerto Rico toward the integral development of the communities where they live and serve. The mission of Centro Alespi is to form joyful citizens through integral development including, social, educational, recreational and cultural activities of excellence addressing the needs of children, youth, adults and families fostering unity so that they may be empowered to make a difference and live in solidarity with others.

Integral approach including education and development within the following components of services:
1. Formal Academic Curriculum Pre-K through Grade 12
2. NASA STEAM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Skills)
3. Music Program including: Choral, Band and Instrumentation Skills
4. Sports program with State and National League and Tournaments for: Cross Country, Table Tennis, Basketball,
Baseball and Volleyball.
5. Ethics and Civic Responsibility
6. Entrepreneurial Leadership
7. Community Service and Volunteering
8. Tardes en ALESPI. This is an Afterschool program engaging not only enrolled students but also children and youth living in nearby neighborhoods. The program offers all opportunities to participate in the Sports, Music and Community Service Programs while also benefitting form: Transportation, Nutrition, Case Work Management and Mentoring Services.

Professional Staff of 37 credentialed educators.
First class, modern and spacious educational and athletic facilities
Up to date computer, digital and audio-visual equipment
Middle States Accredited
Sustainability and Development short to long term planning
Committed and resourceful Board of Directors
Integration of community-based programs with formal academic curriculum pre-k -12.

1. Awarded the honorable prestigious Tina Hills Awards 2022 for Outstanding Community Service
2. Approval of funds from the PR Food Bank, Zero Hunger Campaign. This grant directly supported our ALESPI Polyculture project with allocations to purchase a new passenger and cargo VAN to help distribute boxes of project crops, equipment, tools, and tractors. The grant also covered salaries for two farm workers and a coordinating agronomist among other costs of the project.
3. Creation of Portfolio for the Institute of Culture of PR evidencing trajectory of the last three years in the development of Fine Arts. Approval of a grant in support of the program's artist educators followed.
4. One year developing, (together with the Department of Housing with CDBG-DR funds from the Social Interest Housing program) all the scaffolding and acquisitions required for the Design and Build of the ALESPI ATHLETIC SHELTER. The housing facility is a two-story, 2,524-square-foot building with dormitories for 24 talented, low-income students who live in remote, mountainous areas.
5. Approval of Tablets, laptops and Hotspots for 200 high-speed Internet subscriptions (a value of $212,076.50) to distribute totally free to students from low-income families so that they have access to the Internet and successfully participate in virtual education and digital resources.