Higher Education Readiness (HER) Program

Higher Education Readiness (HER) Program

Program Overview:
A secondary school scholarship and support program designed to increase girls' participation in higher education by providing financial support combined with innovative leadership and life skills training.

Geographic Scope

• Ethiopia (pilot in Addis Ababa)

Target Population

• Girls entering 11th grade
• From academically high-performing schools serving underserved populations

Participating Schools

• Fitawrari Abayneh Secondary School: Located on outskirts of Addis Ababa in rural area with subsistence-level communities
• Addis Ketema Preparatory School: Located in bustling market area of Addis Ababa

Program Components

• Scholarship Support: Full funding for secondary school completion
• Academic Tutoring: Intensive academic support
• Mentoring: One-on-one and group mentoring
• Leadership Training: Skills development for future leaders
• Financial Training: Financial literacy and planning education

Selection Criteria

• Academic success
• Financial need
• Leadership potential

Impact

• Pilot cohort: 100 girls (2013)
• Second cohort: Additional 100 girls (2014-2015)
• Goal: Increase girls' progression from 3.5% to 11th grade continuation to higher percentage

Background

Addresses low female completion rates in Ethiopia: Only 32.4% of girls enroll in 9th grade, but only 3.5% continue to 11th grade (pathway to university).

Administrator: Institute of International Education (IIE) with partnership from Ethiopian Ministry of Education