LAC REACH

Latin America & Caribbean (LAC) Realizing Equitable Access, Retention and Completion in Higher Education (REACH)

USAID’s Realizing Equitable Access, Retention, and Completion in Higher Education (REACH) plays a critical role in improving access to market-relevant higher education (HE) and training in the three target countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and Paraguay by strengthening Higher Education Institution (HEI) capacity to provide scholarships and wraparound services to marginalized youth. This five-year activity tailors HE capacity strengthening and student services to address the breadth of youth needs, increasing their access to, retention in, and completion of HE. LAC REACH supports multiple education-to-employment pathways for marginalized youth including traditional academic programs, technical degrees, and short-term certifications to increase scholars’ employability. IDP strengthens the capacity of local partners to integrate inclusive practices and UDL strategies into their activities. IDP also provides guidance on how HEIs can reduce barriers and present strategies on accommodations to promote diversity, inclusion and equity.

Project Highlights

• GESI Analysis Reports on Guatemala, Honduras and Paraguay.
• Comparative briefers on the following vulnerable populations: Learners with disabilities, women and girls, indigenous populations, LGBTQI+ community members, and gang violence victims leading to migration.
• Supporting with the Participatory Higher Education Assessment (PHA) to HEIs, future trainings and briefing documents.