“New grant-winning teams were announced in the 100K Innovation fund competition”

"New grant-winning teams were announced in the 100K Innovation fund competition"

Higher education programs in sustainability, environment and social sciences are awarded the 100K Strong Grant, sponsored by the US Department of State and Agroamerica

March 2, 2022.  The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Embassies, and Partners of the Americas announce twelve new grant-winning teams between universities and colleges in the United States with higher education institutions in Central America and the Dominican Republic in the 100,000 Strong in the Americas (100K) Innovation Fund competition sponsored by AgroAmerica and the U.S. Department of State.  

The 100K Innovation Fund is the signature public-private sector collaboration between the U.S. Department of State, U.S. embassies, and Partners of the Americas working with companies, foundations, and regional academic networks to champion the power of education and create access to innovative training programs between the United States with Latin America and the Caribbean.  The 100K Innovation Fund inspires U.S. universities and colleges to partner with regional higher education institutions to design and implement new models of academic exchange programs for underserved students throughout the Americas.

AgroAmerica, based in Guatemala with a regional presence, joined the Department of State to stimulate and support partnerships to create innovative, inclusive training programs for underserved students in public health, environment, climate, engineering, entrepreneurship, and other timely areas. The 100K winning teams announced today will engage 25 higher education institutions in six countries – Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic – in partnerships with a diversity of U.S. colleges and universities to create 12 new exchange programs that will impact hundreds of students in the United States, Central America, and the Dominican Republic during 2022-2023.  

At AgroAmerica, we know that the challenges we face as a region must be addressed jointly, with strategic alliances that are focused on generating prosperity for the United States, Central America, and the Dominican Republic. For this reason, we are proud to be part of the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund, to ensure that diverse students have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our societies. To the students who are part of the winning teams, I want to encourage you to continue working to successfully implement these academic development exchange programs throughout the region.” – AgroAmerica CEO Fernando Bolaños.

“Together, with contributions of the U.S. Department of State and Partners of the Americas, the generous support from AgroAmerica is providing opportunities for Central American and Dominican universities to build sustainable partnerships with their U.S. counterparts.  The partnerships we are creating will innovate, educate, and empower.  The winning programs we announce today are dynamic and ambitious. From public health to conservation, to entrepreneurship; these 100K programs are a starting point for addressing some of the most significant challenges and exciting opportunities facing our communities.” – U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala William W. Popp.