Guatemala peace scholarship (GPS)

training, along with an appreciation of democratic government and a free enterprise economy, to Guatemalan leaders and potential leaders, especially those from disadvantaged groups. The project, a country project of the CLASP II program and a follow-on to 5200362, will finance technical training and academic training, and communications support. Most candidates for technical training -- community leaders in health, education, agriculture, business, rural development, and local government -- and youth leaders will be from indigenous rural populations. Short-term training for about 1,380 persons will consist of 5-week courses, conducted in Spanish, in specific technical applications, complemented by opportunities to meet Americans, especially those in similar occupations; follow-on activities will include semi-annual refresher courses, alumni associations, and a newsletter. About 330 persons will participate in long-term (9 month) technical training programs. This training, also in Spanish, will emphasize training of trainers, especially in education, and will include Experience America activities such as homestays with American families, an orientation visit to the Washington International Center (WIC), and a mid-winter seminar. Follow-on will include TA in planning community development projects and an employment network, as well as newsletters and alumni associations. Most of the 350 participants in the Academic Year Abroad (AYA) program will be undergraduate students in Guatemalan universities; junior faculty and instructors are also eligible. The program entails 3 months of pre-departure English language training, followed by 9 months of undergraduate training (or, in special cases, by a year of graduate study) at a U.S. institution; a wide variety of Experience America activities, including orientation at WIC, homestays, and encouragement to live with American roommates and participate in the Young Ambassador Program and Latin American Student Clubs; and follow-on activities centering around alumni associations, employment services, and TA in planning community development projects. To generate support for and cultivate a positive image of the project in Guatemala, the project will employ a communications specialist who will coordinate and manage public relations and alumni activities.