Initially focused on the population of northern Huehuetenango which is primarily of Mayan descent, a demographic group in Guatemala that, despite being more than half the total population, has been systematically discriminated against and excluded from the national education system. Indigenous students must learn in a foreign language (Spanish vs their native Mayan) and in most of the country do not have access to middle or high schools so that many only achieve 3rd or 6th grade in their communities. Lack of education opportunities is a key reason why Mayan youth make the excruciating decision to travel undocumented to the U.S. in search of better opportunities for themselves and their families. GuateMaya Alliance focuses on these indigenous people in rural communities in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.