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) played 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 original five-year activity tailored 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 supported multiple education-to-employment pathways for marginalized youth including traditional academic programs, technical degrees, and short-term certifications to increase scholars’ employability. IDP strengthened the capacity of local partners to integrate inclusive practices and UDL strategies into their activities. IDP provided guidance on how HEIs could reduce barriers and presented strategies on accommodations to promote diversity, inclusion and equity.