Jordan has taken steps to capitalize on its vast human potential by
investing heavily in education. It is working toward high literacy and
school completion rates and is steadily increasing access while
decreasing gender disparities. The U.S.-Jordan partnership first began
pioneering teacher and technical training in the 1950s. Since then,
USAID has built schools, donated libraries and sent thousands of
Jordanians to study in American institutions; countless more have been
trained in Jordan. Between 2002 and 2014, USAID invested $458 million
in the education sector. Recently, USAID investments have focused on
improving the quality and relevance of public education, particularly in
the early grades; reducing drop-out rates; involving parents and
communities in the education of their children; and providing youth with
second-chance opportunities, life skills and technical training in
preparation for the workforce.