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Supporting education and community leadership in Guatemala for over 50 years.
The Guatemala Friends
Scholarship Program
PROGRESA
The Guatemala Friends Scholarship Program is known in Guatemala by the acronym PROGRESA (programa estudiantíl de los Amigos). We are a non-profit organization founded by members of the Religious Society of Friends, known as "Quakers." Our main objective is to support education in Guatemala by granting scholarships to individuals with limited resources and strong academic potential. We also provide extensive individual and group support to help our mostly rural Mayan students succeed. We are an entirely non- sectarian program but our activities are grounded in the Quaker beliefs of personal integrity, respect for others, service, and community.
Each year, Progresa carries out of a variety of activities aimed a buiding skills and building skills and creating community. Two of our largest activities are the annual students conference and the Teaching English Program. We also offer Quarterly in person workshop in threee differents cities so students from differents areas of the country can attend. To learn more about our activities click on What we do or read details about some of our Recent activities.
We believe in people
We build community
We promote development
How we support our students
Our work focuses on supporting students throughout their educational journey by
addressing not only financial needs, but also personal growth, leadership development,
and community engagement. We believe that long-term impact is built through
consistent accompaniment and opportunity.
Financial Support
We provide monthly financial assistance that helps students cover essential educational
and living expenses, allowing them to focus on their studies and move forward with
stability and dignity.
Emotional Support
Through mentoring and accompaniment, we offer students a safe and supportive space where they are heard, encouraged, and strengthened to face personal, academic, and
life challenges.
Leadership and Skill Training
We nurture leadership, confidence, and practical skills through workshops and shared
learning experiences that empower students to grow as professionals and agents of
change.
Community Service
Our students give back to their communities through meaningful community service projects, applying their knowledge to address local needs while strengthening leadership, responsibility, and
social commitment.
The Guatemala Friends Scholarship Program -PROGRESA
We believe in people
We build community
We promote development
Latest activities
Student selection
Process 2025
Each year, Progresa carefully selects new students to join our supportive and nurturing community. In 2025, we welcomed around 30 new students.
Student selection
Process 2025
Each year, Progresa carefully selects new students to join our supportive and nurturing community. In 2025, we welcomed around 30 new students.
Student selection
Process 2025
Each year, Progresa carefully selects new students to join our supportive and nurturing community. In 2025, we welcomed around 30 new students.
Each year, Progresa carries out a series of events and activities based on its programs and core principles. These highlight the sense of community, equity, and equality among students, team members, and donors.
To learn more about our latest news, updates, and upcoming events, we invite you to visit our Latest News section.
For students
How to apply for a
Progresa Scholarship?
Our scholarship aplication period runs
from September 1 to November 7, 2026.
We support students who are continuing
their university studies.
Learn more about the aplication process
here.
Make a Donation
With your donations, we can continue to provide help and support to talented low-income students in Guatemala, giving them access to education and opportunities for a
better future.
“Thanks to Progresa, I graduated with a degree in Professional Nursing and became the first woman in my community to be a healthcare professional.”
Hermelinda Chaj
Professional Nursing
Who we are
What we do
Our Impact
Get Involved
Latest news
Asociación Progresa, Parramos, Chimaltenango. Guatemala
Progresa is under the care of Redwood Forest Friends Meeting. All donations are fully tax-deductible,
Federal Tax ID: 68-0159764
Recent news
Each year, Progresa carries out a series of events and activities based on its programs and core principles. These highlight the sense of community, equity, and equality among students, team members, and donors. Two of our largest activities are the annual student conference and the Teaching English Program To learn more about our latest news, updates, and upcoming events, we invite you to visit our Latest News section where you will find stories like the following.
Progresa celebrated the 17th edition of the Progresa English Program in January 2026,
welcoming its largest group of volunteers and students for a week of immersive English
learning and community.
The 17th Progresa English Program (PEP)
During PEP 2026, John C. Mather shared his experience as a scientist at NASA, inspiring students to imagine new possibilities for their futures.
Nobel Laureate Inspires Students
Progresa Welcomes 36 New Students
In January 2026, Progresa welcomed 36 new scholarship recipients, bringing the total
number of supported students to 115—one of the largest cohorts in the program’s
recent history.
Students gathered in Quetzaltenango, Parramos, and Cobán for workshops focused on
life skills, well-being, and community learning. Four times each year the Progresa staff
holds workshops in three different communities
January Workshops Focus on Life Skills