Project assistance completion report : Central American peace scholarships program (CAPS I) (cooperative agreement)

FUNAC implemented the training in cooperation with the U.S. National 4-H Council. Under the program, which was unique to the Costa Rican CAPS effort, FUNAC selected promising high school students, particularly those from rural areas, to receive (1) an orientation to U.S. life and culture, including 6-10 weeks of intensive English-language and cross-cultural training; (2) homestays of 9 months or more with U.S. families, attending school, participating in community activities, and working on projects with 4-H clubs; and (3) upon return, a week at the FUNAC training site for reentry and evaluation activities. The program was highly successful. A total of 780 students participated. Upon their return, these students have participated actively in their communities, and their status as leaders and role models indicates that the training has had a tremendous multiplier effect. The training also opened new academic and career doors for the students -- knowledge of English helped with the latter -- and improved their self-image and sense of responsibility. The screening and selection process facilitated project success.