Makipurana Network is a network of Kichwa/Quechua alumni, educators, scholars, and advocates who are committed to the supporting academic success of Indigenous Latine youth in K-12 education and higher education institutions in the US. The goal of Makipurana Network is to facilitate partnerships and collaborations that ensure the presence of Indigenous languages, cultures, initiatives, and pedagogy in education.

Makipurarik Wambrakuna (“Youth who Unite Hands”) College Mentorship Program is a peer advisory program that connects Kichwa/Quechua-identifying high-schoolers to graduates of colleges & universities in the US in order to support their education journey. This program responds to the urgent need for personalized guidance throughout the college application process, especially for students from undocumented, first-generation, and low-income backgrounds. Most importantly, our program fosters a sense of belonging and motivation by connecting students with mentors who not only relate to their backgrounds, but also embody our core belief that cultural identity is a strength in pursuing academic success. By generating opportunities for exchange, collaboration, and leadership among Kichwa youth in the diaspora, we enable students to become impactful members of any community they will enter.

We are currently serving 12 students and will begin receiving applications for Mentors and Mentees in May 2025.

We provide:

I. Mentor and Mentee pairs are matched based on compatibility/time commitments and meet on a consistent basis throughout the college application process
II. Monthly virtual gatherings with all participants to build community, check-in on student progress, and ensure mentees/mentors are adequately supported
III. Informative workshops (both in-person and virtual) for students and families on various topics pertaining to higher education such as Pathway to College 101, Essay Writing Workshop, Financial Aid and Scholarships 101