Harvest Prep academy gets $3M loan for project

In order to expand the Harvest Preparatory Academy campus in San Luis, the United States Department of Agricultural Rural Development awarded the charter school a multimillion dollar loan.

A $3 million loan was presented to the school on Friday. It is the first installment of a $6.75 million investment in the project, stated Ernie Wetherbee, acting state director for USDA Rural Development.

The community facility direct loan will be used by MJY Community Development to transform the public charter school, located at 1044 N. 10th Ave. in San Luis, from a K-6 to K-12 campus.

“This project is a terrific addition to Rural Development's long partnership with Yuma County and San Luis in particular,” said Wetherbee.

“It is especially gratifying because it represents not just a capital investment in a growing and deserving community, but it represents a commitment to the future generations.”

Wetherbee added that USDA Rural Development has previously invested millions of dollars into the area over the past decade in areas such as housing and in other programs that they offer.

Dr. Mario Ybarra, Harvest Preparatory Academy founder and director, explained that the expanded campus in San Luis will allow them to serve more children as they currently having a waiting lists at their Yuma campus. Ybarra noted that while the public high schools in the area do a great job teaching children in community, some students benefit more from a smaller environment which he believes exists at their campuses.

“Our venture is significant for the families and students of south Yuma County,” he said.

“Our partnerships with USDA Rural Development and the City of San Luis will provide inspiration and success for 21st century education and will advance community growth and future development.”

Ybarra concluded that the expansion is a three to four year project in which the first phase is expected to begin in February.