SEEDS: Education Meets Purpose
SEEDS is a program by Friends of Puerto Rico, with its own curriculum, founded in 2018, that promotes an entrepreneurial mindset, financial education, and youth leadership. It is a K–12 program serving students from elementary through high school.
“When learning connects with purpose, leadership that transforms the future is born.
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Sometimes, One Opportunity Can Change Everything
Zoe is a young girl with a dream. Today, she is an entrepreneur.
In May, Zoe graduated from the SEEDS program at Friends of Puerto Rico and launched her small business, Beads by Zoe. But beyond bracelets and colors, Zoe built something much greater: self-confidence, a vision for her future, and the certainty that she is capable.
As she celebrated her graduation, Zoe shared a message on social media that deeply moved us. In her own words, she said:
“I learned that even though I am small, I can be an entrepreneur… that I shouldn’t be afraid to try, because every mistake is an opportunity to learn. This program taught me that I can achieve great things if I work with love and dedication.”
Zoe Dominix Arroyo SEEDS Student — Flor de Loto Montessori, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Our Story
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2019
We launched the first cohort of students aged 9+, to become entrepreneurs in the new Puerto Rico economy.
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2020
The first harvest yielded fruit, graduating 83 entrepreneurs who launched 25 businesses with an ecological, self-sustaining approach ranging from artistic and culinary areas to manufacturing massive products.
After earthquakes, hurricanes, and COVID-19, we had a virtual but meaningful ceremony with special guests like Carlos Delgado, professional baseball player, Ada Monzón, a journalist from Puerto Rico, and our partners Southwest Airlines and Activus Connect.
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2021
Over 40 students from the second cohort of the program graduated and launched 18 businesses.
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2023
33 students from 3 different schools graduated from the third cohort. Merck, Activus Connect, and the Ángel Ramos Foundation supported the program.
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2025
In 2025, SEEDS advanced its work with Puerto Rican entrepreneurs through workshops, networking events, and other initiatives. The program was also briefly showcased during an event on Capitol Hill, highlighting its impact within a larger gathering.
What We’ve Achieved with SEEDS
2018
ACTIVE PROGRAM SINCE
+3000
TRAINED STUDENTS
83%
OF STUDENTS OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT WITHIN 12 MONTHS
45
TEACHERS TRAINED
IN THE SEEDS CURRICULUM
+80
NEW YOUNG BUSINESSES
83%
Implemented in multiple municipalities, including Vieques
SEEDS in Action
After the hurricane, SEEDS partner schools in Guayama received support from Friends of Puerto Rico to ensure continuity for students and staff. Ana María García Blanco, Executive Director of Instituto Nueva Escuela, shared how the support helped schools reopen classrooms, maintain staff employment, and continue providing services to families in need.
One student said:
"With the arrival of this support, I feel like I am part of the universe."
Ana María emphasized that this assistance not only provided stability for staff and students, but also strengthened connections between the community on the island and supporters in the U.S., enabling SEEDS programs to continue offering educational and leadership opportunities for youth.
Schools That Are Part of SEEDS
Escuela Juan B. Soto — Aguada
Escuela Flor de Loto Montessori — Ponce
Escuela Ana María Javariz — Aguadilla
Escuela José Rodríguez Soto — Guánica
New young businesses created by SEEDS students
Key Partners
Your contribution enables SEEDS to provide programs, resources, and opportunities for students and young entrepreneurs across Puerto Rico. Every donation strengthens our workshops, mentorship, and educational initiatives.
Donate today and be part of advancing learning and growth in our communities.