The Minerva Program is a 90-day executive-education program in market economics. Created in 1994, the program is designed for public- and private-sector executives from Latin America.

A Focused Curriculum

The Minerva Program offers participants a unique curriculum that combines the best of economic theory and practice with special emphasis on the economic challenges facing Latin America.

Designed to fit the learning styles of adult professionals, the Program provides four different types of learning experience to the students, presenting the material in a variety of formats and contexts.

First, the substantive core of the curriculum is presented in five modules:

• Principles of Microeconomics (8 sessions)
• Principles of Macroeconomics (8 sessions)
• International Trade Theory (6 sessions)
• Public Finance (4 sessions)
• The Austrian School of Economics (4 sessions)

These three-hour sessions are presented in a traditional small-group lecture format by a prominent GWU professor in the discipline; later, the students meet in discussion groups to review the concepts presented and offer specific examples from their own experiences.

Second, a series of seminars and presentations focuses on current topics in economic theory and its application, with special attention paid to the current economic challenges facing Latin America.

Recent seminar topics have included:

• The Costs of Corruption
• Public-Private Partnership in the Provision of Infrastructure
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Measuring Government Performance
• Public Sector Dealings with the Media.

Third, participants take advantage of the many opportunities for site visits during their stay in the U.S. Several institutions and organizations have welcomed the Minerva participants as observers and have offered presentations by their managers and experts. Recent site visits have included:

• The World Bank
• The U.S. Federal Reserve Bank
• The International Monetary Fund
• Inter-American Development Bank

Finally, each Minerva participant writes a substantial research paper that applies his or her theoretical studies to current Latin American policy issues. This exercise offers the students an opportunity to integrate the knowledge acquired in the Program with their professional experiences and expertise.Since their papers are placed on the web site of the Center for Latin American Issues, their research provides a wealth of information to the public.

Participant Selection Process

Participants in the Minerva Program are chosen through a rigorous screening process. The program draws participants from all levels of government and industry. Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, at least five years of professional experience, command of oral and written English, and potential for superior performance in their chosen career paths. The typical candidate is between 30 and 40 years of age.

Interested candidates should contact Kevin Kellbach (ibi@gwu.edu; (202) 994-5205), to initiate the application process. Candidates are urged to contact the human resource department of their employers, as some organizations have special arrangements for nominating candidates for the Minerva Program.

Applicants are then carefully screened in an interview with Mr. Kellbach to determine their suitability for the demands of the program. Candidates for the Fall Semester (late August – early December) should apply by March 31; candidates for the Spring Semester (mid-January – late April) should apply by August 31.

The success of the Minerva Program has been evident in the career advancement of the participants. Competitive standards in the admissions process have led to highly qualified program participants, who then return to their home countries with an improved understanding of the roles of both the public- and private-sectors, and with an awareness of the policy measures necessary to promote economic development.

Corporate, Individual, Nonprofit, and Government Sponsors

Since its inception, the Minerva Program has relied on the generous support of numerous corporate, individual, nonprofit, and government sponsors. Support has come from the private sector, public-private partnerships, the public sector, foundations and individuals, reflecting the philosophy of the program itself and its focus on public-private cooperation to promote Latin American economic progress.

The corporate sponsors, from both Latin America and the U.S., value the results of this training program and the benefits it provides to the program participants, their home countries, and the global economy. Their support demonstrates that they recognize the importance of an efficient, transparent public sector to the continued growth of the private sector.

The Minerva Program gratefully acknowledges the support of these donors and appreciates the contributions they have made to its continuing success:

• Alcoa Foundation
• Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (ANEEL)
• Arminio Fraga Neto
• AT&T
• Banco do Brasil
• Banco Liberal
• Banco Opportunity
• Banco Real
• Brahma
• Caixa Econômica
• Carlos Moacyr Gomes de Almeida (GAFISA)
• Coca-Cola Foundation
• Companhia Suzano de Papel e Celulose
• Confederação Nacional de Indústria
• Confederação Nacional de Comércio
• Construtora Andrade Gutierrez
• Controladoria Geral da União (CGU)
• Eletrobrás
• Fundação Getúlio Vargas
• Fundação Moreira Salles
• Fundación BBVA Bancomer
• General Electric
• Grupo Gerdau
• Instituto Filantrópico e Cultural Safra
• Instituto Social Itaú
• Kellogg Foundation
• Ministério da Fazenda
• Ministério do Planejamento, Orçamento e Gestão
• Secretaria da Fazenda do Estado da Bahia
• Secretaria da Fazenda do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
• Secretaria da Fazenda do Estado de São Paulo
• Telemar
• Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU)
• Universal Empreendimentos
• Veracel
• White Martins S.A.

Facts & Figures

Year Founded: 1994
Program Location: The George Washington University, Washington, DC
Program Format: Academic lectures and courses, panel and roundtable
discussions, site visits
Program Delivery Language: English
Program Frequency: Twice a year, Spring and Fall Terms
Program Length: 90 days
Program Graduates: 524