The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Education Policy provides an Agency-wide vision and direction for supporting partner countries in strengthening their capacity to deliver quality learning opportunities for children and youth. The primary purpose of programming in education by USAID is to achieve sustained, measurable improvements in learning outcomes and skills development. The principles laid out in the policy drive decision-making for new education investments supporting the vision that partner country education systems must enable all children and youth to acquire the education and skills needed to be productive members of society. The priority areas laid out in this policy serve as a general framing and orientation for USAID's work in education. Across these areas, USAID investments in education may cut across education levels (from pre-primary through higher education), types of institutions (state and non-state), and learning environments (formal and non-formal). These priorities illustrate key areas for programming and investment that are critical to supporting countries on their journey to self-reliance: (1) Children and youth, particularly the most marginalized and vulnerable, have increased access to quality education that is safe, relevant, and promotes social well-being; (2) Children and youth gain literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills that are foundational to future learning and success; (3) Youth gain the skills they need to lead productive lives, gain employment, and positively contribute to society; and (4) Higher education institutions have the capacity to be central actors in development by conducting and applying research, delivering quality education, and engaging with communities. USAID's education investments support partner countries to strengthen their capacity to achieve sustainable, quality learning and education outcomes. In the education sector, self-reliance describes a country's ability to sustainably finance and equitably deliver services that improve learning outcomes and skill acquisition for all children and youth.