Common Hope has a well-established track record for managing effective programs that achieve results. We have a four-star rating with Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) and maintain a three-year average of using 83% of funds directly on programs. Most important, Common Hope’s programs are making significant strides toward our greatest desired outcome for students: students are graduating from high school and become agents of change in their communities.

High school graduation, despite the odds

During the 2010 school year, Common Hope made education possible for 2,700 students. We celebrated 107 high school graduates in November 2010, despite the fact that the average Guatemalan adult has not finished grade school. In addition, 199 sixth graders graduated, the vast majority of whom plan to continue on to seventh grade. Before Common Hope, these students likely would have had to leave school after — or during — elementary. Instead, they are going on to become professionals like teachers, accountants, office administrators, and mechanics, greatly enhancing their quality of life.

Increased student performance and earning potential

The fact that our students are going to school, staying in school, and graduating against immense odds is evidence that our programs work. Now, even more empirical evidence exists. A 2005 study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison demonstrated that Common Hope students were twice as likely as their peers to graduate high school. Our own metrics showed that in 2010, Common Hope students K-12 advanced to the next grade at a rate 6% higher than the national average.

Through our integrated extra-curricular support and encouragement of parental involvement, children are getting the support they need to be successful. This success has long-term ramifications for children and their families. Sources such as the World Bank and UNESCO report that a high school degree can as much as double a person’s earning potential in developing countries like Guatemala.*

Leadership and critical thinking skills

Besides career advancements, our graduates are entering adulthood with the leadership and critical thinking skills to become agents of change in their own communities. Read profiles of graduates on our blog to learn more about the ripple effects our programs are creating in Guatemala.

Program and financial summary for 2010

To learn more about our program results, view a snapshot of our accomplishments in 2010 or download our full Donor Impact Report 2010.

* UNESCO