The program focused on gaining a better understanding of the causes behind high rates of early grade dropouts. It employed implementation and impact research to test intervention models that combined various School Health and Nutrition (SHN), Early Childhood Education (ECE), and education quality initiatives. Through a robust monitoring and evaluation system and ongoing research, Lao Educational Access Research and Networking (LEARN) was able to assess which intervention model was most effective in terms of student reach, cost per child, scalability, and impact on early grade retention and learning.

The ultimate objective of the program was to improve learning outcomes and retention rates for boys and girls in Grades 1 and 2 of primary school in Oudomxay and Luang Prabang Provinces, aligning with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES) plans and objectives. LEARN directly supported MOES in achieving its 2016–2020 policy goals focused on increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the education system by reducing dropout and repetition rates and improving learning outcomes in the early primary grades.