Guanajuato, Gto., July 19, 2019.- In August 2016, University of Guanajuato (UG) launched the Regional Equity Program, through which 26 young people from few resources from marginalized areas entered, but with an outstanding academic background.

Program beneficiaries are exempt from registration and receive a scholarship covering their food, lodging and transportation expenses.

"It's a great opportunity to get ahead, to be an example to my family and for the others in my community, it's to show that even though you don't have the resources you can get ahead," Ma. Carmen Soto says, originally from Tarandacuao and who next school cycle will enter the bachelor's degree in Industrial Relations.

The project is based on the recognition that - as a public institution - the UG has a social responsibility that involves bringing higher education opportunities closer to those living in adverse economic conditions. This favors inclusion and at the same time rewards young people who have worked hard in high school but have few alternatives to continue their studies.

Laura Janeth Salinas Bello is an example of this. Originally from the community La Cueva, in the municipality of Jerécuaro, she studied in a community tv-school, from where she graduated with an average of 9.7.

She tells that she knows two UG students who are recipients of the Regional Equity Program, from communities near her place of origin. "One of them showed me the call and told me to work hard."

She was also encouraged by her teachers, and decided to participate, although she knew that many were interested.

If the University of Guanajuato had not offered her this opportunity to pursue the degree in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, she would have had to work to pay for her studies at a nearby institution, although it acknowledges that there was no degree of interest to her.

In the same situation was Brian Ruiz Zamora, who graduated from the College of Scientific and Technological Studies of the State of Guanajuato (CECyTe) of Jerécuaro with an average of 9.8. When I graduated, I planned to work for a while, to raise some money and get into some university.

Now this will no longer be necessary, because through this program he entered the UG at no cost, and he will receive a monthly payment until he graduates from the degree in Nursing and Obstetrics, unless he fails any subject.

For him, this support is invaluable and represents a great honor, as he is the first in his family to enter college. Now "I must be an example to follow for my sisters and family," he says.

Although economic support is a key condition for the existence of the Regional Equity Programme, there are other key elements for the functioning of vocational guidance, accompaniment through tutoring and participation in workshops aimed at developing the potential of beneficiaries.

In addition, two elements are fostered: a sense of identity with their community and a social commitment to the support they have received. Therefore, they are asked to develop a project that contributes to the rescue or dissemination of the traditions of their place of origin.

In this way, the Regional Equity Program is sought to provide the best opportunities for academic development, but at the same time to form citizens who become agents of change in their community and influence the construction of more equitable societies.

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