Grieg Foundation: Transforming Lives Through Education

Impact Report Showcase | Since 2019, the Grieg Foundation has been one of our most impactful donors, providing full scholarships to nine deserving students each year.

UWC Costa Rica is built on a foundation of generous support from partners who believe in the transformative power of education. Since 2019, the Grieg Foundation has been one of our most impactful donors, providing full scholarships to nine deserving students each year. These Grieg Foundation Scholars embody our shared values of Empathy, Reciprocity, and Accountability to making meaningful change in the world. This partnership, built on shared values of service and education, enables UWC Costa Rica to fulfill its mission of cultivating in young people the passion and ability to serve humanity and our planet–learning from nature and from each other for a lifetime.

Honoring Generosity and Shared Vision: The Grieg Foundation’s Impact on UWC Costa Rica’s Scholarship Program

Established in 2002, the Grieg Foundation is a Norwegian philanthropic organization that supports children and youth worldwide, focusing on health, research, and education. The Foundation’s involvement with UWC Costa Rica began with generous contributions that were instrumental in founding our campus in 2006 and has continued with financial support for full scholarships for students who excel academically and demonstrate a commitment to positive change.

Since 2019, the Grieg Foundation has sponsored nine full scholarships each year, enabling students who have faced significant personal challenges to access UWC Costa Rica’s globally recognized experiential learning model around the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programme. This remarkable support not only changes the lives of individual students but also enriches the UWC Costa Rica community with voices from across the globe, strengthening our commitment to diversity and multicultural understanding.

A Memorable Visit: Welcoming the Grieg Foundation to Costa Rica

We were honored to host representatives from the Grieg Foundation along with the van Otterloo family, both of whom are deeply committed supporters of UWC Costa Rica. The visit included a series of special events that celebrated the shared mission between UWC Costa Rica and its donors to empower young people as agents of change.

One of the highlights of the visit was a dinner event in which the Grieg Foundation presented scholarships to the new cohort of nine Grieg Scholars. This intimate gathering, attended by students, faculty, and board members, provided an opportunity for the Grieg Scholars to express their gratitude and share their personal stories with the foundation representatives. The evening was a moving reminder of the positive impact that educational support can have on students who show courage, dedication, and a passion for creating a better world.

Exploring Costa Rica Together: Building Lasting Memories

Beyond the official presentation, the Grieg Foundation and van Otterloo family joined UWC Costa Rica students for an outing that showcased Costa Rica’s breathtaking natural beauty. Together, they visited some of Costa Rica’s most iconic sites, including a majestic volcano and scenic waterfalls. This outing fostered meaningful connections and gave the Grieg Foundation team a glimpse into the environment that shapes and inspires our students.

During their stay, our guests also toured both the current UWC Costa Rica campus and the site of our future campus in San Isidro de Heredia. This exploration opened discussions about future opportunities and developments for UWC Costa Rica, deepening the foundation’s understanding of our goals and vision for the future.

The Legacy of the Grieg Foundation Scholars Program

The Grieg Foundation’s contributions extend beyond financial support—they provide a powerful sense of validation and encouragement to the students who earn these scholarships. Grieg Scholars join UWC Costa Rica as individuals with unique backgrounds and life stories, united by their resilience, leadership, and potential to inspire positive change. With the Grieg Foundation’s support, these students gain access to a world-class education that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to make a lasting impact in their communities.

UWC Costa Rica is profoundly grateful for the partnership with the Grieg Foundation, which enables our school to continue offering financial aid to exceptional students who would otherwise be unable to participate. This collaboration strengthens our academic community and enriches the global UWC movement’s mission to foster peace, understanding, and sustainability.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Partnerships for a Brighter Future

As UWC Costa Rica prepares for an exciting new chapter with the upcoming campus move to San Isidro de Heredia, partnerships like the one with the Grieg Foundation become even more essential. The steadfast support of our donors fuels the mission of UWC Costa Rica. It ensures that we can continue providing life-changing educational experiences to deserving students from around the world.

We are immensely thankful to the Grieg Foundation for their commitment to our students and our mission. Together, we look forward to empowering many more young leaders, thinkers, and changemakers who will carry the values of compassion, curiosity, and courage into the world.