Washington, D.C. — On July 14, Dana J. Hyde, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), traveled to Georgia to participate in the signing ceremony of a partnership agreement between San Diego State University (SDSU) and the Government of Georgia, a key part of MCC's $140 million compact with the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hyde highlighted how a better qualified workforce would strengthen investment, commerce and trade relations between Georgia and the United States. “By improving the link between the skills Georgians possess and what the labor market needs, the MCC compact will help Georgians entering the workforce find good jobs in industries that fuel economic growth,” Hyde added.
Hyde’s remarks can be found here.
The agreement establishes a 20-year partnership during which SDSU will work with three public universities in Georgia to equip young Georgian men and women with the technical skills needed to be leaders in the global economy. As a result of MCC’s compact, students will be able to earn internationally accredited bachelor's degrees that will boost their productivity and increase their employment opportunities.
As part of the compact, the Georgian government committed to undertaking specific policy, legal and regulatory reforms that will help sustain the investment in the long-term. Hyde recognized the government for its commitment and emphasized the vital role it plays in shaping Georgia’s economic growth.
Hyde met with SDSU Provost Nancy Marlin, and together they attended an education expo that introduced SDSU's program to the Georgian public and potential students. She also engaged with local university students to hear about their experience studying in the areas of engineering, science and math.
Earlier in the day on July 15, Hyde met with Richard Norland, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, as well as Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Minister of Education Tamar Sanikidze. She also attended a meeting of the Millennium Challenge Account-Georgia Supervisory Board to discuss the benefits and impact of MCC's investments on the Georgian economy.
On July 16, Hyde visited a technical and vocational center as well as a local school. MCC's compact includes investing in vocational and technical skills and rehabilitating public schools.
###
MCC is an innovative and independent U.S. agency that is working to reduce global poverty through economic growth. Created by the U.S. Congress in January 2004, with strong bipartisan support, MCC provides time-limited grants and assistance to countries that demonstrate a commitment to good governance, investments in people and economic freedom.