Guayaquil, August 22, 2024 — At the Ecuadorian-American Chamber of Commerce in Guayaquil, representatives from the Ecuadorian Development Research Lab (LIDE) and the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador gathered to celebrate the 25 fellows of the Young Researchers Fellowship program.

The Young Researchers Fellowship aims to train the next generation of social scientists in Ecuador, empowering them to reduce poverty and social inequities through research and the dissemination of evidence-based policy. Through academic strengthening, the program also seeks to open doors for motivated students to pursue graduate studies abroad, promoting academic inclusion for underserved communities.

This initiative is part of the U.S. Mission’s broader efforts in inclusion, social responsibility, and economic empowerment. During the event, Mary Fisk-Rider, Consular Chief, reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote social equity through education.

“This program not only provides the opportunity to gain essential skills in research, quantitative analysis, programming, and English proficiency, but also opens doors to future educational opportunities in the United States.”
— Mary Fisk-Rider, Consular Chief, U.S. Embassy in Ecuador

The Young Researchers Fellowship is also supported by DataCamp, the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab Latin America and the Caribbean (J-PAL LAC), and the Centro Ecuatoriano Norteamericano (CEN)—all partners who share a vision of a more equitable future through education. Mafer Bencomo, a member of DataCamp’s Social Impact team (#DCDonates), enthusiastically highlighted how DataCamp is democratizing and innovating data science and analytics education. Since 2022, DataCamp has provided more than 170 licenses to LIDE, allowing fellows and interns to build valuable data science skills that strengthen both their personal futures and those of their communities.

Shantal Aragón, Senior Manager of Training and Education at J-PAL Latin America and the Caribbean, also delivered inspiring words to the fellows via virtual connection. She warmly congratulated the young researchers and emphasized J-PAL’s unwavering commitment to the program and the importance of promoting educational opportunities that transform both academic trajectories and entire communities.

“J-PAL aims to eliminate global poverty through impact evaluations and scientific outreach. We are proud to offer specialized workshops that will teach young people how to evaluate public policies.”
— Shantal Aragón, Senior Manager of Training and Education, J-PAL LAC

Additionally, five talented and promising students from the program will receive full scholarships to study English at the Centro Ecuatoriano Norteamericano (CEN), reinforcing our shared commitment to supporting young people in expanding their academic and professional achievements abroad. By offering these opportunities, LIDE continues working to reduce the socioeconomic barriers that persist in disadvantaged communities.

The Young Researchers Fellowship contributes to building a more equitable society full of possibilities. LIDE is proud to provide opportunities that promote progress and open new doors for Ecuador’s future social scientists.