Educate First-Generation Students in Honduras

Dear Friends,

Over the last five years, OYE —with support from donors and institutional partners— has provided full-tuition scholarships and support to 40 young people to pursue two-year technical university degrees at private universities, primarily in the creative, tourism, and health industries. This deviates from our focus on supporting young people to pursue higher education at public universities for one critical reason—public universities lag behind private institutions in offering technical degrees. Oriented to labor market needs, these programs facilitate rapid and relatively well-paid employment upon graduation. Unfortunately, since these programs are mostly limited to private universities, they are very often out of reach for the young people who would benefit from them most. This is where OYE’s scholarships bridge the gap.

Génesis is among them. She comes from a rural town on the outskirts of El Progreso, where educational opportunities are extremely limited. Génesis was awarded a scholarship from OYE in 2022 to pursue a two-year degree in clinical laboratory science. A few months ago, Génesis and Jennifer, both OYE scholarship students in the same program, joined OYE’s growing community of college graduates. They are among 12 graduates so far this year, 80% of whom are young women.

In her words: "This was my dream since I was a little girl, but because of [my family's] economic situation, it always felt out of reach... OYE helped me to discover talents that I didn't know I had and believe in myself. Thanks to their support, I now have a job and am the primary financial provider for my family." Her mother, Elda, adds: "I am incredibly happy and grateful to OYE. Without their support, Genesis would not have reached this important milestone."

Thank you for your continued support in making higher education a reality for first-generation students like Génesis in Honduras.

In appreciation,
Amanda