It Takes 12 Years

In Guatemala it takes 12 years of education to support a two-person family above the poverty line, but 90% of impoverished kids never reach that milestone. Many come from regions where individuals typically complete fewer than two years of schooling. Families often live on less than $4 a day and can neither afford the direct cost of attending school (tuition and fees) nor the opportunity cost of keeping children in school when they could be working and contributing to the family’s income.

In addition to economic challenges, students face many other pressures to drop out including alcoholism, gangs, teen pregnancy, abuse, and a lack of support from their families.

More Than a Scholarship

Each year, with the help of sponsors, the GLP provides full academic scholarships to hundreds of indigenous Maya students in impoverished communities throughout Guatemala. In addition to removing economic barriers to education, the Rise Program also wraps students in a support system to help them overcome the pressure to drop out of school:

• Sponsors’ investment in students’ education inspires them to persevere.
• Program staff provide social work, academic support, and guidance to see students through to graduation.
• Teacher guides serve as mentors and keep a watchful eye on struggling students.
• Peer mentoring builds a support system among students.
• Home visits involve parents in their children’s success.

Becoming Leaders

The youth development component of the Rise Youth Development Program involves students in leadership, professional, and life skills training. 

• Broadening Worldviews: Workshops on topics like entrepreneurship, women’s rights, and teamwork help students expand their worldviews and overcome obstacles to achieving their dreams.
• Career Readiness: By visiting local businesses and meeting role models in different careers, students explore the possibilities for their own future.
• Giving Back: By planning and executing their own community service projects, students learn leadership skills and develop a spirit of service.

Sustainability

The Rise Program achieves sustainability by transforming the lives of indigenous young people—especially girls—who then contribute to the development of their entire country. Currently, 53% of program graduates are helping to pay for their younger siblings’ education, breaking the cycle of poverty for more young people in their own generation.

As Juan Jose Caxaj, principal at a Rise Program school, says: “You see our country, and there is violence and dishonesty and corruption everywhere. It’s my view that in the future, as we get more and more women educated and into positions of leadership… I am convinced that that is going to help us address these problems. That is my hope and my vision.“