*Educational opportunities for youth at risk help reduce the rate of immigration to the US.
*The education system in rural Guatemala is substandard. Most communities only have primary schools and therefore the youth are unable to get more than a 6th grade education.
*A better-educated population attracts outside investment and fosters economic growth creating opportunities for graduates and their families.
*Most rural, indigenous families do not have the economic resources to send their children to a school outside their communities, thus the students cannot engage in pursuits to help improve their socioeconomic situations.
*Only 23% of those who complete primary school are able to continue to middle school. This is due to limited availability in many rural communities; a low priority on continued education by many families; and the comparatively high costs of secondary education (primary school is provided by the State. Families must pay for any additional education).