Caribbean and Latin American scholarship program II (CLASP II)

A total of 1,580 Salvadorans will receive U.S. technical and academic training under the project, which is a follow-on to 5190337 and a country project of the CLASP II Program (5980661). Target groups for project training include the following: mass communicators, youth leaders (including both youths themselves and leaders of youth service organizations), representatives of employee and professional associations and labor unions, justices of the peace,and environmental promoters and leaders. A total of 70% of participants will come from socially or economically backgrounds, and 40% will be women. Formal U.S. training will include (1) short-term technical training (generally 3-6 months in duration) for 1,250 persons and (2) long-term training for 330 persons, consisting either of associate degrees in technical fields or up to 2 years of academic training towards the completion of undergraduate or Master"s degrees. In addition, all trainees will receive leadership training (focusing on conflict resolution, debating, logic and reasoning skills, group and community organization, civic participation, etc.) and will be exposed to democratic institutions and the free enterprise system through CLASP"s "Experience America" program. A follow-on program will be undertaken to enhance the multiplier effects of project training and the ability of returning scholars to contribute to development in their communities and the country. Efforts will include regional leadership and technical workshops, a resource center, a CLASP II book distribution program, a job placement facility, and alumni associations.