The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy has launched a new custom executive education program in partnership with BECAL, officially the Programa Nacional de Becas “Carlos Antonio López,” Paraguay’s national scholarship program within the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Beginning September 15, the nine-week hybrid program brings Harris faculty expertise to more than 40 public-sector officials from government institutions across Paraguay. “Public officials are regularly asked to make consequential decisions in complex environments, and having the tools to use data and evidence effectively can make an enormous difference,” said Associate Professor Austin Wright, who serves as faculty director of strategic initiatives at Harris. “This custom program, borne out of this new strategic partnership, will give participants practical analytical tools they can apply directly to their work.” Austin Wright, Associate Professor and Director of Strategic Initiatives The curriculum will focus on public finance, data-driven decision-making, translating evidence into impact, and communicating policy ideas effectively. True to Harris’ mission, participants will examine how data and rigorous analysis can inform decisions in their day-to-day work. Wright and Research Professor Justin Marlowe, who leads Harris’ Center for Municipal Finance, will help lead the program alongside Senior Lecturer Rebecca Wolfe, executive director of International Policy & Development at Harris, and David Chrisinger, executive director of the Harris Writing Workshop. The program will culminate in an intensive, two-day capstone in which participants will work in teams to apply what they have learned to a major policy challenge facing Paraguay. Drawing on approaches developed throughout the program, they will present their recommendations to Harris faculty and Ministry leaders. “BECAL is committed to strengthening Paraguay’s human capital and creating opportunities for our talented professionals to access world-class education and develop the leadership and institutional capabilities our country needs. Through this partnership with Harris Public Policy, participants will deepen their analytical capabilities, gain valuable new skills and global perspectives, and develop practical tools to address challenges that are directly relevant to Paraguay’s public sector and its citizens. We expect this experience to translate into stronger institutions and better public policies for Paraguay” said Alejandra Bogado Tervit, General Director of BECAL. Shilin Liu, Associate Dean of Executive Education and Partnerships The partnership marks Harris’s first customized program in Paraguay and represents an important expansion of Harris’ executive education work in Latin America. It also reflects BECAL’s broader mission to strengthen advanced human capital in Paraguay through investments in education, research, and innovation. “We are thrilled to partner with BECAL to create a multi-week, customized learning experience focused on the policy questions that matter most to public-sector leaders in Paraguay,” said Shilin Liu, associate dean of executive education and partnerships at Harris. “The program is designed to have an immediate and direct impact on participants’ work in government.” Harris Custom Programs bring Harris’ faculty and evidence-based approach directly to organizations seeking to strengthen leadership, analytical capacity, and decision-making. Programs are developed in collaboration with partners and tailored to the specific challenges, priorities, and contexts in which their participants work. Learn more about Custom Programs at the Harris School of Public Policy.