Our Mission
The PriceSmart Foundation invests in creating an environment of opportunity and access for communities in countries in the region where PriceSmart operates its business. The foundation focuses on economic inclusivity, environmental and community resilience, youth development, and education.
Our Programs & Initiatives
Aprender y Crecer Program
Serving more than 135,000 students at public elementary schools in Central America, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic; our Aprender y Crecer program provides school supplies, books, and other valuable resources to improve the educational experience; and more specifically to improve reading skills and outcomes.
Vision Program
A child who can’t see clearly can’t function at their fullest capacity nor reach their full potential in school. As part of our ongoing commitment with the future of our communities, we are developing a program to provide free vision exams and prescription eyeglasses to all students who need additional vision support in Aprender y Crecer schools.
Growth of Small & Medium Enterprises
Most job creation in developing economies comes from the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We partner with local and regional institutions to invest into and support SMEs to improve their capacity to grow their operations and expand their economic and social impact. We prioritize support to businesses led by women which in turn benefit family economic security and increase investment in children's education and health.
Youth Development
If young people have opportunities to complete their education, acquire workforce skills, secure employment, and engage in their communities, they will experience greater economic independence, increase their self-efficacy, and pursue a hopeful future for themselves and their families. We partner with nonprofit organizations to train young people and connect them to internships and jobs or start micro-enterprises.
Community Resilience & Disaster Relief
The PriceSmart Foundation and PriceSmart Inc. aim to be first responders and on the front lines when disaster strikes in our region. Events like hurricanes, seasonal flooding, earthquakes, and other disasters can have long-lasting consequences that hinder community development. We aim to leverage our supply chain, buying power, and relationships to support our communities and provide humanitarian aid in times of need. In addition, we support other organizations that are critical to the resiliency of communities in our region.
