Mateo is a bright, energetic 15 year old, born into a loving and hard working family. Like many people in Guatemala, his family lives in extreme poverty. Despite being part of the nearly two-thirds of the population that lives on less than $2 per day, Mateo looks excitedly toward a horizon of opportunity. Mateo’s family is part of the 80% of indigenous families that experience deprivation in multiple aspects of their lives including food insecurity, poor nutrition, and lack of access to quality healthcare. His parents are unable to read as they did not have the benefit of formal education. In fact, one-third of Guatemalans grapple with illiteracy. His father plants corn, beans, and peas in order to sustain their household and maintain their two-room home. Meanwhile, Mateo's mother channels her entrepreneurial spirit into selling small products to provide for her childrens’ education. Cooperative for Education stepped into the gap for Mateo’s family. They’re raising the bar on education by training teachers, providing high-quality books and materials, and access to technology. And they don’t stop there. They work with teenagers like Mateo to apply their skills to lift up the community through a whole host of service projects that the teenagers concept, plan, and lead. Mateo is the first in his family on a path to graduate from high school. His journey is not only a personal triumph, but a beacon of possibility for his community. While others leave their homeland in search of a better life, Mateo remains steadfast in his commitment to Guatemala. He knows his education will unlock opportunities, lifting his family and community out of poverty, and driving meaningful change from within.