The Cooperative Association of States for Scholarships (CASS) program provides technical training and professional training for low-income and rural students from the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Mexico. Beyond training individuals, CASS's ultimate objective is to foster the development of people who will become agents of change, assuming the responsibility of sharing their knowledge and skills to produce a positive impact within their communities and countries. At the end of their training, 98% of CASS alumni return to their home countries.
Since 1989, the Cooperative Association of States for Scholarships Program has directly changed the lives of more than 6,000 people. Half of the scholars selected are women and at least 80% come from rural areas. Approximately 60% of CASS participants enter two-year technical training programs at community colleges and universities throughout the United States. Students graduate with degrees or certificates. Fields of study match the needs of the labor market in the region. High-demand sectors include agricultural technology, business, environmental sciences, health, and quality control. Graduates have gained the essential tools to enter and succeed in the labor force at home. About 40% of CASS trainees are rural professionals who train in the United States for up to one year to develop skills aimed at addressing key development issues, especially education.
The fields of study are determined on the basis of extensive annual research on regional development needs and employment trends. Some of the fields of study currently include:
2-Year Technical Training
- Agriculture
- Business
- Environmental Science
- Programs for Deaf Students
- Technology
Short-Term Professional Training
- Education
- Rural Development
- Housing
- Youth Services
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The CASS Program is funded by the United
States Agency for International Development |
