2025 marks the twentieth anniversary of the Hayes Scholarships, a programme that has changed lives and reinforced the ties between Paraguay and the United States. To celebrate this achievement, the United States Embassy in Paraguay and the AmCham Foundation organised a special toast on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
The event brought together distinguished guests, including former United States Ambassador James Cason (2005–2008), and several alumni who stand as living testimonies of transformation, resilience, and opportunity.
Among the voices that resonated most during the celebration was that of Andrea Gonest, current president of Fulbright Paraguay and an alumna of the very first Hayes cohort. In an inspiring address, she looked back on her own journey, reflecting on the profound impact of the scholarship.
Andrea Gonest: From scholar to leader
She recalls, “Twenty years ago – though it feels like yesterday – I still remember the email telling me I had been selected for the very first cohort of the Hayes Scholarships, back then called Building the Fulbright Future. I had no idea at the time how truly life-changing that opportunity would turn out to be.”
Andrea shares that what began as an opportunity to strengthen her English became a turning point that shaped her personal and professional trajectory. “Learning and improving my English through this incredible programme opened doors I once thought would stay closed. It gave me the confidence to dream bigger, to look beyond Paraguay, and to connect with opportunities all over the world.”
She reflects that the scholarship was not only an academic tool but also a spark for lifelong growth. “The Hayes Scholarship was, is, and will always be the spark that set everything in motion.”
Beyond language: A gateway to the world
Andrea emphasises that the impact of the Hayes Scholarship extended far beyond the classroom. With the foundation it provided, she later earned a Master’s degree in Industrial Design as a Fulbright Scholar at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, where she eventually became president of the Fulbright Student Association.
Her international path included representing Paraguay in world-class arenas such as New York Design Week, the Ibero-American Design Biennial in Madrid, and Dubai Design Week. She also took part in innovation projects, entrepreneurship competitions, and served as a teaching and research assistant at RIT.
“On a personal level, it gave me a voice: a way to express myself in new cultures, to share my Paraguayan roots, and to build strong friendships across borders. It taught me resilience and self-confidence. Qualities that guide me today as I lead design, innovation, and entrepreneurship projects.”
The Hayes legacy in Paraguay
The Hayes Scholarship programme is aimed at outstanding Paraguayan university students with limited financial resources. Selected participants receive two years of English studies at the Centro Cultural Paraguayo Americano (CCPA), alongside extracurricular activities including workshops and lectures focused on personal and professional development.
The programme is made possible through the collaboration of the United States Embassy, the AmCham Foundation, and the CCPA. For many alumni, it has been the first step towards international education and professional advancement.
Andrea concludes with a heartfelt reflection: “The Hayes Scholarship did not just teach me English. It gave me the language of opportunity, the courage to grow, and the tools to make a lasting impact.”
Looking forward
The Hayes Scholarship Programme 2025 is now open for applications, offering Paraguayan university students a fully funded, intensive English course at the Paraguayan-American Cultural Centre (CCPA).
As the Hayes Scholarships celebrate two decades, their legacy is clear: they do more than teach English. They ignite ambition, foster resilience, and connect Paraguayan students with opportunities that transcend borders.
For more information check Becas Hayes on Instagram.
