The English Access Microscholarship Program offers beginner to intermediate level courses for underprivileged youth, ages 14-16, through intensive learning classes and activities. The course, which is taught in English from day one, focuses on components such as Classroom Community (teamwork), Community Service (leadership), Literature and English Language Skills. All of these components aim to facilitate the social mobility of all program participants.
The program – which is being held in Guatemala since 2010 – offers scholarships in Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango, Quiché, Sololá, Guatemala, Alta Verapaz, and Chiquimula for two years of study through the following partners: Fundación Ixtatán, AJEDE, University of Valle-Altiplano, and COOSAJO-MiCoope. The scholarship includes the English course, study materials and cultural activities. The partners choose the trainees according to strict requirements.
Students in the Access Program also develop an appreciation for the culture of the United States, increase their ability to participate successfully in the socioeconomic development of their country, and gain the ability to compete and participate in exchange programs in the United States.
Since it was established in 2004, more than 100,000 students in more than 85 countries have participated in the global English Access Microscholarship Program.