New evidence from colonial history is challenging the consensus that extractive institutions always harm long-run development, showing that outcomes depend on whether extraction left behind durable public infrastructure and state capacity.

In Colombia, municipalities subjected to the Spanish encomienda – a colonial system of forced indigenous labour – are wealthier and better governed today, in spite of the extractive institution imposed on them.

Free school meals are one of the most effective education policies in the world, improving attendance, reducing dropouts, and increasing graduation and access to higher education across countries. Evidence shows they deliver large long-term benefits for children and society, with returns that far outweigh the cost of providing them.

The impacts of a school feeding programme in Colombia go beyond school attendance and hunger relief, fostering learning, high school graduation and tertiary enrolment.

A large-scale financial aid policy in Colombia boosted social mobility for low-income, high-achieving students and improved the equity and efficiency of higher education

Needs-based and merit-based scholarships improve the motivation and social mobility of low-income students

Merit-based financial aid for low-income students doubles immediate postsecondary enrollment, making elite universities substantially more diverse