Since 1996, LPGM sponsors have given nearly 8,000 students in India access to quality education—and so much more—through Project Education India.
Step 1
Learn about who we sponsor and why.
Sponsored children come from poor and marginalized families. Many are Dalit (formerly known as “Untouchables”). They are considered to be born outside of the Indian castes, historically given unsanitary work, and therefore also thought of as spiritually contaminated. The word Dalit means “oppressed” or “broken.”
While Dalit people are citizens of India, and have rights under the Indian Constitution, this group continues to face pervasive discrimination when accessing education, housing, employment, and political participation.
We believe that education is the way for these students to break cycles of poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, child marriage, child labor, and abuse. By sponsoring a student, you are providing them with hope for a brighter future.
Step 2
Learn what sponsorship provides.
Just $40 a month provides safe shelter, food, clothing, medical care, school supplies, and academic, emotional, and spiritual support as your student(s) receive a quality education at our Lutheran partners’ schools. At the same time, these students – mostly Hindu – experience the love of God by our Indian partner, the Arcot Lutheran Church, located in Tamil Nadu, India.
Sponsoring a specific student allows you to communicate via our Sponsor Portal (email and uploads such as video or photographs), and if you someday travel with LPGM to India, you may meet your student and their family!
Individuals, families, small groups (like book clubs), and congregations currently support a student or students while others choose to provide general support. There are students who could be paired with a sponsor like you.
Step 3
Meet students on the waiting list, select yours, and sign up today!
You may look through all student profiles or filter by age, birth month, birth year, or gender. Once you select your student(s), you will be asked for personal information (which we keep safe) to create a donor portal. In this secure site you will set up your payment plan, you may choose the frequency of your donations via credit card or bank account. This is also where you will see more information about the student(s).
We accept checks, or non-cash assets such as stocks and securities, too. Call the office if you need assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Education India (PEI)?
Project Education India (PEI) is the name of LPGM’s student sponsorship program in Tamil Nadu, India. PEI began in 1996. Since then, LPGM sponsors have given nearly 8,000 students in India access to quality education through PEI. Today, PEI sponsors students at four boarding homes owned and managed by the Arcot Lutheran Church, an Indian church body.
Why would I sponsor a student through PEI?
LPGM offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with the student you sponsor.
LPGM is a small, nimble organization that is constantly communicating with those who manage the boarding homes and care for the students. We also have an Indian team of Student Relation Coordinators (SRCs) who are liaisons between you and the students.
We host a group trip once a year. If you join us, you may meet the student you support and possibly even their family.
How does my sponsorship directly support my student?
Your sponsorship directly supports recurring expenses relating to food, education, health and hygiene, and staffing at the boarding homes.
Your sponsorship also provides a spiritual and emotional connection between you and your student(s). Students often pray for their sponsors by name, and you have the opportunity to communicate with them.
In addition to support from LPGM, the program receives assistance from the Indian government for teachers’ salaries. There are occasional local and international gifts, and parents/families contribute a small amount each month.
How old are the students?
Children begin school at age 5 or 6 in the first standard (like U.S. first grade). Children study through the 12th standard, usually age 17 or 18.
How can I communicate with my student?
While there’s no requirement to write, all sponsors are encouraged to build a relationship with their sponsored students. Writing an occasional letter and praying for them connects you and reminds them that someone really cares.
Your letter will be translated in India. Students are asked to respond to each letter that they receive. Younger students often draw you a picture, and older students will write a response in Tamil, which will be translated to English for you.
May I send a gift to my student?
Physical gifts to students are discouraged, and never send cash to your sponsored student. A student who receives a lavish gift can be excluded by their peers
However, you may send a digital greeting to your student and attach a picture of your family. Our India team can print the photo, and your student can easily carry it with them.
If you’d like to celebrate your student’s birthday or achievements, you may consider giving to the Wish List program. The student council at each boarding home develops a wish list of items and experiences that sponsored and unsponsored students alike will enjoy.
Typical wish lists include sporting equipment, art supplies, musical instruments, games, personal care, and field trips.
What happens when my student graduates?
A large majority of graduates will go to college or university.
When PEI began in 1996, most students did not continue to higher education, but due to your faithful support over the years, the tide has turned. In fact, 80% of 2025 PEI graduates are currently enrolled in higher education!
Graduates often pursue degrees in nursing, teaching, commerce, engineering, or tech. Some students attend vocational school.
How is the Gospel proclaimed in these schools?
Education is a very important mission of the Arcot Lutheran Church because it believes in Jesus’ commandment to love one another. Most of the children in the boarding homes are Hindu. Families enroll their children in Christian schools because they know that they will receive a good education.
Students pray daily, attend worship services, and celebrate Christian holidays. Boarding home staff and managers are Lutheran Church members and pastors. They provide Christian love and care to their neighbors.
How long should I commit to sponsoring a student?
We ask that you commit to at least one year. It’s our hope that you will want to support the student for many years. Nearly 400 supporters have been loyal sponsors for more than ten years.
Do I need to support a single student, or may I simply support the program?
You don't need to be connected to a particular sponsored student to make a difference!
Any support of PEI helps provide access to quality education for students at the margins. You may make a one-time gift or monthly gifts that make your donation go further.
Students in Need of Sponsorship
$40/month will provide your sponsored student with:
Healthy, culturally appropriate food
Rice and whole grains, Fruits and Vegetables, Chicken, Eggs, and Regular Snacks
Health & Hygiene
First aid & medicine, Regular Health Check Ups, Psychosocial Support, Clean Water
Educational Support
Tutors, Special Coaching, Sports, Spiritual Retreats and Activities
Support Staff
Caretakers, Cooks, Maintenance, Administration, and Security
What you'll receive through sponsorship
A Relationship
Letters to and from your sponsored student allow you to learn about each other's lives and share prayer requests and encouragement.
Photos of your Student
Watch your student grow through photos shared through email and the sponsorship portal.
Updates/Prayer Requests
You will receive regular prayer requests for your student and information on local crises that affect them.
Can I support the program without sponsoring a specific student?
Yes! If you choose to do this, your gift will join with other donors doing the same thing, and will provide support for students in our program who do not have a sponsor.
Where do sponsored students study?
LPGM supports approximately 1,200 students in four boarding homes in Tamil Nadu, India, owned and operated by the Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC).
Who is Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry?
Our Vision
Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry envisions a world where relationships transform boundaries and where all people have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Our Mission
Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry provides access to quality education for people at the margins–especially women and girls. We work together with global partners to listen, respond and bear witness to local needs and priorities.
Open & Transparent
LPGM is proud to meet the Accountability Standards of the Charities Review Council. The Accountability Standards® create a common ground across the nonprofit sector, building a foundation of strength in our community. To read our charity review report, visit the Charities Review Council.
LPGM has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar), its highest level. Candid "envisions a social sector capable of tackling the critical challenges and opportunities of our time." Candid helps users make the best possible decisions about their giving. View more on Guidestar.org.
LPGM is proud to be a Top-Rated Charity at GreatNonprofits, the one and only people’s choice award where volunteers, donors, and people served by nonprofits are asked to share stories of inspiration, express their appreciation, and potentially help nonprofits earn a spot on the prestigious list. To view our profile, visit GreatNonprofits.org.
