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USAID-funded CASS Program in Nicaragua

CASS is much more than scholarships. Its focus is on development. The goal of CASS reaches beyond simply preparing socio-economically disadvantaged young people with academic, technical, and professional skills to enter the job market. It also prepares students as able and committed leaders who return to their home countries to aid in the development of their families, communities, and countries by sharing the benefits of their training with others.

The program offers two-year scholarships in technical training to high school graduates, and one-year scholarships for professional training, in US academic institutions. Through their experience in the US, CASS Program students also learn about life, culture, and customs of the United States people.

To date, CASS has awarded more than 5,000 scholarships to low income family students, with more than half being women. Almost 80% of those receiving scholarships come from the rural sector.

Program Assistance

The USAID-funded CASS Program pays the expenses for enrolling in courses, medical insurance, housing and food, a minimal amount for personal expenses and the round trip air ticket.

The selection requirements include:

1. Be a citizen of the country where the application for the scholarship is made
2. 17-25 years of age
3. Low income
4. Evident leadership potential
5. Have finished or be enrolled in the last year of high-school (secondary level school)
6. Academic performance higher than average
7. Without previous college experience nor current possibility of access to such
8. Without children
9. Good health (candidate must complete a medical exam)
10. Strong interest in learning and ability to adapt to a new culture
11. Desire to share aspects of own culture with North Americans
12. Demonstrated commitment to return to their home country and play a positive role in his/her community.

Responsibility of CASS Scholarship recipients:

Act as a “Friendship Ambassador” participating in activities carried out by the community and the assigned educational institution.
Remain in the assigned educational institution during two years.
Sign a commitment, guaranteeing compliance with the program’s norms and the return to his/her homeland when finishing the two- year study program.

Fields of Study

The CASS Program students go to community colleges in the United States for a period of two academic years. Community colleges cover at least 25% of the student’s expenses with their own resources. Community oriented educational institutions are especially appropriate for this program because of its size, its relation with the community, local industry and commerce, and the emphasis in technical / vocational training.

Training focuses on specific study areas to help students to obtain a job once they return to their country. Study areas are determined based upon a comprehensive annual study of the developments needs of the country, and employment trends.

One-year scholarships	Two-year scholarships
Agriculture Business Environmental Science Health Programs for Deaf Students Technology	Education Construction Work Health

CASS Program in Nicaragua

The USAID-funded CASS Scholarship Program in Nicaragua has awarded more than 600 scholarships in different fields to outstanding Nicaraguan youth.

It has the support of the Nicaraguan private business sector and other institutions that help CASS students enter the labor market upon their return. It is important to mention that in the long run around 95%-97% of the students find a job. Michelle, a deaf teacher, with her students.

CONTACT:

Carmen Cecilia de Narváez
CASS Coordinator and Representative in Nicaragua.
Telephone: (505)266-8303
E-mail: cass@ibw.com.ni