A. M. 
The ¡Supérate! Business Program, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), celebrated its 20th anniversary with an event entitled “Let’s Keep Raising the Bar”. The celebration was attended by more than 870 students, faculty, graduates, special guests, representatives of companies and foundations sponsoring the Program at the regional level, and strategic allies such as USAID and Microsoft.
The event was presided over by Ricardo Sagrera Bogle, President and Founder of the Programa ¡Supérate!; Arturo Sagrera Palomo, General Director of the Programa ¡Supérate!; and Christopher Cushing, USAID Mission Director in El Salvador.
Ricardo Sagrera assured that the impact of the Program over 20 years has been possible thanks to the commitment of the sponsoring companies and foundations, as well as that of the strategic allies. “Directors, teachers and ¡Supérate! staff, you are the heart of this Program, and thanks to your dedication, thousands of young people have found in the ¡Supérate! Centers a bridge to connect their desire to excel and the opportunities to transform their lives. Throughout these two decades, the Program has witnessed stories of effort and success. We have seen more than 6,400 young people, including active students and graduates, transform their lives through education. Today, many of them are outstanding professionals, leaders in their communities and living examples of how education can change their lives, the lives of their families and their communities”, he said.
“In these 20 years, we have seen their graduates achieve incredible things: studying at prestigious universities, starting their own businesses, landing their dream jobs and becoming leaders in their communities. At USAID, we are proud to be part of this family. We believe in you and will continue to work to equip youth with solid skills and values to face the world with confidence”, said Christopher Cushing, Director of USAID.
As part of the event, student Cindy Merino shared her happiness at being part of the twentieth anniversary. “It is an honor to know that I have belonged to this experience that has marked my life, it has helped me grow through education, I am very grateful for everything they have done for us and for all the generations of graduates that they have marked in a positive way. Thank you Programa Supérate!”, said Cindy.
The event also featured Shaun Tomson, world champion surfer, entrepreneur and speaker, who shared a motivational speech with the students. Shaun invited the youth to continue practicing resilience and highlighted the importance of “willpower” coupled with the technological tools to which the youth have access.
“Willpower comes from a part of our brain that can be strengthened, like a muscle. It’s not something you’re born with, it’s a skill that can be developed over time. We live in an era where digital skills are essential and you are being trained in it. Make the most of this opportunity. The Digital Talent Scholarship is an open door to growing, learning and creating a better future”, said Shaun Tomson.
To date, the ¡Supérate! Program has 14 centers in the region, 7 in El Salvador and 7 in Panama. All of them are sponsored by companies and foundations with a high social commitment: Hilasal, ADOC, Fundación Poma, Fundación Frech, Fundación Raíces, Grupo Q, Dollarcity, Fundación Alberto Motta, Fundación JUPÁ, Fundación Sus Buenos Vecinos and Fundación Provivienda.
