Oruguitas, Caterpillars

The oruguitas, our youngest girls ages 7-11, are at the very beginning of their journey. Many enter the program without basic literacy or numeracy skills, often unable to read, write, or recognize letters and numbers. At this stage, our primary goal is to solidify foundational education while nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging. Early intervention is essential, especially in a context where many girls begin to fall behind academically before the age of 10.

Education and empowerment for the oruguitas is rooted in the Montessori method, which emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, and community engagement. We are proud to partner with 3 Mariposa Montessori, a local pre and elementary school with a focus on montessori learning. In this model, girls develop at their own pace through activities that are both playful and purposeful.

For example:

Arts and crafts classes help strengthen fine motor skills and creativity.
Yoga introduces essential tools for self-regulation, focus, and physical well-being.
Swimming builds self-esteem, teaches water safety, fosters teamwork, and is another essential tool for stress and trauma relief.
Reading is often taught outdoors in the garden, where girls are immersed in nature and inspired by their surroundings.
Movement-based math uses physical activity—like jumping, clapping, or dancing—to reinforce numerical understanding and problem-solving.

Through this holistic and joyful approach, the oruguitas begin to see themselves as capable learners and valued members of their community—planting the seeds for lifelong empowerment.

Hours at the Mariposa Center: 800 hours per girl per year

Maripositas, Little Butterflies

Our signature Mariposita program is for girls ages 11-13. We know that enrolling girls in Mariposa at a young age critical, but we also know that 6th grade is an incredibly important time for the Maripositas. Their bodies change and society starts to view and treat them differently. This is when they are most vulnerable and at the highest risk for dropping out of school and extracurricular activities. After COVID-19, we launched this signature Mariposita Program as a pilot project and its success was far reaching and bigger than we have anticipated. Between 11-13 years old, girls start becoming young women.

Full day school programs now exist in our community, however, we believe it’s in their best interests to have more individual support. Our solution was to work with a private school, CORAL, to create a half day class of 6th grade girls, allowing them the rest of the day to spend at the Mariposa Center for Girls.

Our 6th graders arrive at the Mariposa center by 8am where they have a full breakfast. They spend the entire morning with a small group of consistent adults, fully immersed in experiential learning. In addition to regular academic support and English language classes, environmental science and health and wellness are a key focus. They are out exploring various beaches, snorkeling, keeping weather journals and learning to be citizen scientists. They engage in daily meditation and yoga and have regular health classes where they have free and frequent access to proper medical care, social workers and mental health services.

After a healthy lunch, they get ready at the center - shower, do their hair, brush their teeth and head off to school at CORAL for the afternoon until 5pm.

We understand that 6th grade is a landmark year for girls. If they are socially, emotionally and academically prepared during this delicate time, they have a stronger foundation for success. They have formed incredible bonds with their peers, created a personalized network of support, excelled in school and have remarkably consistent attendance. After just one year, the results speak for themselves.

Hours at the Mariposa Center: 1,400 hours per girl per year

Mariposas, Butterflies

Our Mariposas are girls ages 13-18 who are navigating the complex terrain of adolescence, grappling with identity, independence, and societal expectations.

At this stage, Mariposa programs shift to reflect their growing capacities and the challenges they face as teenagers in the Dominican Republic. We focus on comprehensive health education, equipping girls with accurate information about their bodies, rights, and choices in a country where teen pregnancy rates are among the highest in the region. Through these sessions, girls build confidence and agency over their futures.

Mariposas also engage in environmental justice initiatives, learning how climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, and developing the skills to advocate for their communities and protect their natural surroundings. Many take part in campaigns, beach cleanups, and sustainable farming projects—bridging science, activism, and local stewardship.

Our sports and wellness programming continues to be a vital tool for physical health and mental resilience. Girls practice swimming, biking, surfing, tennis, softball, volleyball, and team sports—spaces where they challenge gender norms, support one another, and experience the joy of movement in their own bodies.

We place a strong emphasis on leadership and public speaking, preparing Mariposas to be role models in their homes, schools, and broader communities. Many begin mentoring younger girls, facilitating workshops, leading community events, and speaking at international forums. These experiences cultivate not just skills, but also a sense of purpose and responsibility.

This phase is where we see transformation most visibly. Girls who once arrived shy and unsure are now standing tall, making decisions for themselves, and inspiring the next generation of oruguitas to dream even bigger.

Hours at the Mariposa Center: 900 hours per girl per year

Mariposa Volandos, Flying Butterflies

The Mariposa Volando program is a dedicated initiative for Mariposa girls ages 17-23 who have completed high school and graduated from daily Mariposa programming. Graduating from high school is just one milestone in a much longer journey. Young adulthood brings new challenges—navigating higher education, employment, financial independence, family responsibilities, and identity formation; hence the creation of the Mariposa Volandos.

Whatever path they choose, we remain deeply committed to walking alongside them. Through scholarships, career guidance, mental health support, housing stipends, and professional development opportunities, the Mariposa Volando program ensures that these bold, ambitious young women are equipped to thrive—not just survive—as they build futures filled with purpose and possibility.

Once they earn their high school diploma, Mariposa Volandos take flight on a variety of paths:

Higher Education – Many attend colleges and universities both in the Dominican Republic and abroad, often as the first in their families to do so.
Technical & Vocational Training – Some pursue trade schools or professional certification programs in areas like tourism, health care, design, and education.
Workforce Entry – Others enter the labor market directly and require mentorship, job-readiness training, and continued emotional support.

Their success is a powerful reminder that when we invest in girls, they grow into women who transform their families, communities, and the world. Learn more about the Mariposa Volandos and their stories here.

Hours at the Mariposa Center: Depends on each girl.

Graduates

Mariposa Graduates are young women ages 23+ and are the embodiment of our mission: confident, capable, and committed to creating a better world. Mariposa graduates are the young women who have completed their educational journeys with us and are now soaring independently as professionals, community leaders, mothers, entrepreneurs, artists, and global citizens.

Though they are no longer enrolled in daily programming or receiving financial support from Mariposa, our graduates remain part of the extended Mariposa family. Many return as teachers, mentors, and advocates, offering their advice to inspire the next generation of girls. Others are breaking barriers in male-dominated fields, launching businesses, or continuing their studies at the graduate level. Some have even begun families of their own, raising children with values of equity, curiosity, and compassion.

Their impact ripples far beyond our center in Cabarete. Mariposa graduates are change-makers: teaching in classrooms, leading climate justice efforts, building schools, working in healthcare, or starting ventures that uplift their communities.

We celebrate their achievements, honor their resilience, and continue to offer a network of care and connection. Learn more about the Mariposa Graduates and their stories here.