Education with a community beside you
St. James Institute accompanies young adults who want to continue technical or university education but face financial barriers, limited family support or uncertainty about their next step. Our first apostolate is in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, including young adults making the transition from residential care.
We bring educational opportunity together with trusted relationships and everyday responsibility. We call this accompaniment: walking alongside a young adult through listening, practical guidance, encouragement and accountability as they work toward their goals.
We begin by listening
Each person brings a different story, strengths and hopes for the future.
Through an application, conversations and individual assessment, we consider educational interests, housing and family circumstances, existing support, work experience and practical needs.
Together, we explore a realistic course of study and the commitment it will require. The assessment also considers whether St. James can offer suitable support within the program’s capacity.
Support matched to the person
The support offered depends on individual needs, program suitability, available places and resources.
It may include vocational guidance, academic preparation, help seeking a scholarship, study materials, mentoring or residential support at Casa St. James. Where available, the team may also help connect a participant with transport, work experience or other practical opportunities.
An agreed plan sets out what St. James can provide, what the participant will contribute and the next steps to work toward. Young adults take an active role in these decisions.
Admission and assistance are subject to assessment and approval. Support is reviewed as needs, progress and available resources change.
Three connected areas of formation
Study, work and personal growth support one another. Our Catholic mission brings them together in preparation for a purposeful adult life.
The approach takes shape through three connected areas:
Education and training
We help young adults explore technical or university pathways, understand entry requirements and costs, and develop consistent study habits. Guidance continues through academic challenges, with participants encouraged to ask for help and stay committed to their studies.
Work and service
Paid work, suitable internships and service can help participants practice communication, reliability and practical skills. We explore opportunities that fit their studies and circumstances, while encouraging responsibility for expenses beyond the support agreed with St. James.
Character and spiritual formation
Prayer, reflection, dialogue and service are part of our Catholic community life. Through guidance and daily choices, young adults practice honesty, perseverance, respect and care for others, while exploring their vocation and purpose. Each person’s conscience and religious background are respected.
Daily life at Casa St. James
Our first home in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a place where formation becomes practical.
Residents study, share meals, care for common spaces and take part in prayer and community activities. Cooking, cleaning, managing time and resolving disagreements provide everyday opportunities to practice independence and consideration for others.
Healthy routines, budgeting and saving for personal goals are part of this preparation. Guidance helps young adults reflect on decisions, recognize difficulties and take the next step with support.
Residential support forms part of an agreed plan and depends on suitability and availability. Casa St. James is our current home; additional homes remain a longer-term vision.
Shared responsibility
Participants and the St. James team each have responsibilities in making accompaniment work.
Young adults commit to their studies, agreed schedules and formation activities. They contribute through household responsibilities, work or service according to their circumstances, and care for the resources entrusted to them.
Respect for fellow residents, staff and collaborators is central to community life. Participants are expected to follow the program’s rules and address disagreements through dialogue.
When academic, personal or family difficulties arise, participants are encouraged to tell the team promptly and seek help. Honest communication makes it possible to consider changes to the plan together.
The team provides guidance and reviews progress, responsibilities and the support available. These conversations help participants recognize what is working and where further effort or assistance is needed.
Preparing for independent adulthood
The aim is to help each young adult build the habits, skills and relationships needed to make sound decisions and support themselves.
Preparation includes continuing education, developing work experience, managing money and planning for future housing and living costs. Progress is gradual and reflects each person’s situation.
As participants grow in independence, the support plan can change. We work toward realistic next steps rather than a single timetable for everyone.
We hope young adults carry this formation into their work, families and communities, using their abilities to create opportunities and serve others.
A network of opportunities
Care homes, educational institutions, parishes, employers, professionals and supporters help make this work possible.
A scholarship, a suitable job, professional guidance or help with a practical need can strengthen a young adult’s path. St. James coordinates these contributions around individual goals and the responsibilities agreed with each participant.
Partnerships help us build support that can be sustained over time. We welcome people and organizations who can offer suitable opportunities, expertise, prayer or financial support.
Take the next step
Young adults and referring organizations can contact our team to discuss circumstances and the application process. An inquiry begins a conversation and does not guarantee admission or assistance.
If you would like to support the mission, explore ways to mentor, volunteer, offer an opportunity, build a partnership or give.