Who We Are
Our Mission
HELP’s mission is to create, through merit and needs-based scholarships, a community of young professionals and leaders who will promote a more just society in Haiti. We envision a Haiti where every Haitian has access to quality education, the opportunity to live up to his or her potential, and the ability to contribute to a just and prosperous society.
Our Story
In 1996 a simple act of belief—a donation for tuition and books for a determined young Haitian woman aspiring to study medicine—ignited a movement.
Today, 189 students are enrolled in the Haitian Education & Leadership Program, and with 372 alumni, we have a growing force of changemakers leading the way.
Raison d’être
Less than 1% of Haiti’s 1.5 million college-age population attend university
For decades, Haiti’s emerging leaders have seen a cycle of violence, natural disasters, and systemic government failure. At the same time, young Haitians face steep barriers to higher education—one of the most effective pathways to social and economic development.
Only 1% of college aged Haitians attend college, and just over 50% of those students remain enrolled, with only around 15,000 students graduating each year. Upon completing their studies, more than 85% of these graduates leave the country—giving Haiti one of the highest brain-drain rates in the world. As a result, the number of college-educated individuals who remain in Haiti is alarmingly low, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the nation’s future.
The Haitian Education & Leadership Program is committed to changing this narrative by empowering Haiti’s youth with education, leadership development, and resources to be the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Our Programs
To nurture the seeds of change in Haiti, we support students in the following areas:
University Scholarships
We provide full tuition, books, stipends, dormitory housing, a computer lab, reliable electricity, internet access, and a library at internationally recognized Haitian universities. In addition to their undergraduate studies, students take English and Computer Literacy courses taught by faculty to ensure they are well-prepared for the global stage.
Leadership Education
Through the Citizenship & Leadership curriculum, we foster the development of students’ individual leadership styles. Students learn the values of Asset-Based Community Development through classroom lessons, lectures, and community service projects. These experiences shape them into leaders who possess the skills to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Workforce Readiness
Our Career Services department equips students with essential skills, from CV writing to job search strategies and interview preparation. We also focus on soft skills and workplace expectations, ensuring that our students are ready to excel in the livelihoods they choose after H.E.L.P. We connect participants with internships and job opportunities at local organizations.
Our Impact
475
$14k
$143M
95%
scholars since 1996
avg graduate salary
to local economy
retention rate
100%
internship placement
Fulbright scholars
