USAID/Nicaragua: Young Nicaraguan scholars in the United States receive Diplomas

Young Nicaraguan scholars in the United States receive Diplomas

Photo: The Ambassador of the United States in Nicaragua, Paul A. Trivelli and Connie Johnson, USAID/Nicaragua’s Office Chief of Human Investment welcomed and delivered diplomas to fifteen Nicaraguan students who had the opportunity to study for two years in the United States with scholarships from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). On September 7,2006, the Ambassador of the United States in Nicaragua, Paul A. Trivelli and Carol Horning, USAID/Nicaragua’s deputy director welcomed and delivered diplomas to fifteen Nicaraguan students who had the opportunity to study for two years in the United States with scholarships from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Designated as the Cooperative Association State Scholarship Program (CASS), it is implemented by Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

The fifteen graduates come from Matagalpa, Managua, Masaya, Chinandega, Leon, Esteli, Jinotega, and the Autonomous Atlantic North Region (RAAN). These professionals studied: Quality Control, Agro-business, Management of Natural Resources, Water Administration and Treatment, Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, Computer Applications for the Deaf, and Administration for Small Businesses.

The program provides educational opportunities to high-school graduates with low incomes and to professionals in specific areas so that they may become more skilled workers and, upon returning home, can be agents of change in their communities; thus contributing to their country’s economic and social development.

This year a total of 37 scholarships have been granted, including eight given for one year in Primary Rural Education,six for six months in Education to Prevent HIV/AIDS as well as four six-month scholarships in Microfinance.

Since 1991, the USAID CASS Program has granted a total of 855 scholarships. Ninety-six percent of CASS Program graduates are employed in Nicaragua.

Requirements for obtaining these two-year scholarships include: be a Nicaraguan citizen, between the ages of 17 and 25 with low income, have completed or be in the last year of high school, possess leadership qualities, and show an excellent academic performance, among others.