EquippED

In Guatemala, countless children, youth, and young adults are trapped in a cycle of poverty that robs them of their potential. It’s more than a lack of money—poverty strips away opportunity, confidence, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society. Without access to proper education and life skills, many young people are left with little hope, limited to a future defined by their circumstances rather than their capabilities.

Our program exists to change that. We believe that every young person deserves the chance to thrive, not just survive. Through education, we help these students build a path out of poverty—whether it’s pursuing a professional career or learning a technical trade. But tuition alone isn’t enough to lift them out of the depths of deprivation.

That’s why we’ve created EquippED—a program that sees and responds to the whole person, not just their academic needs. In the communities we serve, poverty takes many forms: poor health, broken family structures, low self-esteem, and a lack of basic life skills. These are the hidden wounds that keep young people from succeeding, no matter how much determination they may have.

Through EquippED, we intervene where it matters most. We evaluate each student’s physical, mental, financial, and spiritual well-being, identifying critical gaps in their development. Many have never had the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills, face health issues that go untreated, or carry emotional scars that crush their confidence. Their sense of value is diminished—not just in their own eyes, but in the eyes of their community. These young people often feel they have nothing to offer.

Our program changes that narrative. By providing targeted, personalized support, we build resilience, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and nurture emotional and social growth. Each student’s progress is carefully monitored, ensuring that as one need is addressed, we can move on to the next. This step-by-step approach helps them rise from a place of survival to one of growth, contribution, and success.

But time is not on their side. Every year a young person remains without the education and support they need, the further they drift from the chance to lead a life of dignity and purpose. By supporting this program, you’re doing more than educating a student—you’re giving them the tools to break free from the shackles of poverty and build a future filled with possibility.

Now is the time to act. Together, we can lift these young lives from the margins and help them become the empowered individuals they were meant to be.