Our programs aim to unlock and maximize the potential of young Indigenous women, enabling them to lead transformational change and create a more equitable society.
Each year at MAIA, we serve nearly 450 young women and their families—approximately 2,800 people—from over 47 rural highland villages in the department of Sololá, Guatemala. We call our students “Girl Pioneers because many are the first in their families to continue their education beyond primary school. Our model creates a support system that empowers young women to break cycles of exclusion and poverty.
Bolstering educational momentum for 6th-grade girls to successfully transition from primary to secondary school by addressing learning gaps and providing socioemotional support.
Girls receive the academic and socioemotional support they need to successfully transition from primary to secondary school, addressing the learning gaps caused by an underfunded and inequitable education system in Guatemala. Each year, approximately 60–75 girls participate in this program. They attend public primary school in the morning (6th grade) and attend the MAIA Impact School in the afternoon for academic and socioemotional reinforcement.
Bolstering educational momentum for 6th-grade girls to successfully transition from primary to secondary school by addressing learning gaps and providing socioemotional support.
Girls receive the academic and socioemotional support they need to successfully transition from primary to secondary school, addressing the learning gaps caused by an underfunded and inequitable education system in Guatemala. Each year, approximately 60–75 girls participate in this program. They attend public primary school in the morning (6th grade) and attend the MAIA Impact School in the afternoon for academic and socioemotional reinforcement.
Opening pathways to university, careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership through coaching, skills, and real-world experience.
MAIA graduates are supported as they move into university, employment, entrepreneurship, and other leadership opportunities. Through one-on-one coaching, workplace skills training, and internships, young women gain the confidence and practical experience needed to thrive. An alumni network and university support fund further strengthen opportunities for students who are often the first in their families to attain higher education.
Enabling our students—and their families—to lead choice-filled lives by strengthening their social and emotional well-being, leadership skills, reproductive health knowledge, and vocal empowerment.
Strengthens the social and emotional well-being, leadership skills, and reproductive health knowledge of Girl Pioneers and their families. Mentors – Indigenous women from the same communities – provide personalized support in school and at home, and our nurse and nutrition team deliver preventive health services that help girls lead choice-filled lives.
Investing in local leaders to build a pipeline of Indigenous women leaders to transform education and drive system change across Guatemala.
At MAIA, we strengthen education in rural Guatemala by developing the skills and leadership of educators, mentors, and local leaders. We provide ongoing professional development for our team using innovative, girl-centered, and culturally relevant practices. We also share our approaches with public school teachers, community leaders, and partner organizations through collaborative training and advocacy. As co-founders of Eduk’at, Ellas al Frente, and VOCES, we help scale evidence-based practices that expand opportunities for Indigenous girls and strengthen Guatemala’s education system.
Every year at the MAIA Impact School, we welcome a new generation of Girl Pioneers. It is a transformative journey that changes the trajectory of the future of their lives, families, and the broader community.
With your investment, these remarkable young women will break cycles of poverty and build a brighter future.
