The Beca Rita Cetina program, an initiative by the Government of Mexico aimed at supporting public secondary school students, is set to suspend double payments for beneficiaries in April 2025. This announcement comes as part of the ongoing distribution of funds aimed at ensuring that students can continue their education without financial hindrance.
As of April 2025, students enrolled in public secondary schools across 30 states in Mexico will receive a normal payment for the period of March-April. However, students in the states of Veracruz and Durango will receive a double payment covering both the March-April and May-June periods. This advance payment is in preparation for local elections scheduled for June 1, 2025, and is intended to avoid any violations of the electoral ban.
According to the official guidelines, the normal payment amount for the Beca Rita Cetina is set at 1,900 pesos per family, with an additional 700 pesos allocated for each student. Thus, students receiving the double payment will total 3,800 pesos. This support is vital for many families, particularly in regions where educational resources are scarce.
In a recent update, the program coordinator, Julio León, confirmed that from April 17 to April 20, 2025, all payments will be suspended due to the Semana Santa celebrations. Payments will resume on April 21, 2025. The staggered payment system is designed to facilitate the distribution of funds according to the alphabetical order of beneficiaries' last names, ensuring that the process runs smoothly without overwhelming banking systems.
The payment schedule for April is as follows: on April 1, payments were made for beneficiaries whose last names begin with the letter A; on April 2 for B; April 3 and 4 for C; and so on. As of April 14, students whose last names start with M will receive their payments, with the schedule continuing through to April 28, when those with last names starting with W, X, Y, and Z will be paid.
For students who have not yet received their Beca Rita Cetina cards, which were distributed in March 2025, there are specific steps to follow. Beneficiaries must await an email from the authorities detailing when and where to collect their cards. Alternatively, they can visit a State Regional Auxiliary Headquarters (SARE) for information on card collection.
The Beca Rita Cetina program is part of a broader initiative to promote educational continuity among secondary school students, aiming to prevent dropouts due to financial constraints. More than 5 million students registered for this program during the enrollment period in late 2024, reflecting the significant demand for educational support in the country.
In addition to the Beca Rita Cetina, students are also eligible for other scholarship programs, including the Benito Juárez scholarship for upper secondary education and the Jóvenes Escribiendo el Futuro scholarship for university students. The payment schedule for these programs aligns with that of the Beca Rita Cetina, ensuring that all beneficiaries receive their support in a timely manner.
As the academic year progresses, the importance of these scholarships cannot be overstated. They play a crucial role in alleviating the financial burden on families, allowing students to focus on their studies rather than economic challenges. The government’s efforts to maintain and enhance these programs are vital for the educational landscape in Mexico.
For any issues regarding the payments, beneficiaries are encouraged to contact the support hotline at 55 1162 0300, which operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This line provides assistance for any queries related to the Beca Rita Cetina and other educational support programs.
As April progresses, students and their families are urged to stay informed about the payment schedules and any updates regarding the Beca Rita Cetina program. The government’s commitment to supporting education through these scholarships is a step towards ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed academically.
