The Rita Cetina Scholarship program is officially underway, with the distribution of scholarship cards commencing on January 31, 2025, at Secondary School 61 in Zapopan, Jalisco. This initiative aims to support secondary school students enrolled in public institutions, providing families with considerable financial aid of 1,900 pesos every two months, along with additional funding for families with multiple children enrolled.
The timeline for card distribution spans from February 17 to April 11, 2025, across various educational institutions throughout the region. Parents and guardians are advised to check the distribution schedules at their respective schools to prepare adequately for the process.
From February 5 to March 28, families will receive their Banco del Bienestar cards necessary for the Rita Cetina scholarship. To collect these cards, specific documentation must be presented, including official identification, birth certificates, CURP, and proof of residence for both the parent and student.
According to Miguel Moreno Badajos, the Coordinator of National Scholarships for Wellbeing, "Todos los alumnos de secundaria de escuelas públicas tienen su beca asegurada,” which translates to “All secondary school students from public schools are guaranteed their scholarship.” This statement emphasizes the program’s commitment to ensuring financial assistance reaches every eligible student.
Once the cards are distributed, beneficiaries will have to activate them within ten days, with the first deposits set to be reflected on March 1. Moreno explained how each school would have designated days for students to receive their cards and how beneficiaries can confirm their schedules through school directors or the scholarship search portal.
Similar to previous payments rendered under the government’s welfare initiatives, the Rita Cetina scholarship is expected to benefit approximately 363,000 secondary school students across Jalisco. The payments will not solely cover the scholarships but also provide families with supplementary income. A family with multiple children will receive the standard 1,900 pesos plus 700 pesos for each additional child enrolled, enabling comprehensive support during the school months.
Students who did not register for the scholarship online can still complete the enrollment process on-site at their educational institutions within the set dates. The registration period ran from November 11 to December 18, 2024, but it remains open online for families needing assistance or those who missed the earlier window.
The program has generated significant interest among families eager to secure their financial aid, with many already preparing for the card distribution. Information about payment schedules has been circulating, and families are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits linked to the Rita Cetina scholarship.
According to the payment calendar released by Julio León, the National Coordinator of Scholarships for Wellbeing, payments will begin to roll out based on the first letter of beneficiaries’ last names, ranging from February 4 for those whose last names start with ‘A’ to payments on February 24 for those whose last names end with letters ‘W, X, Y, and Z.’ He stated, "Te comparto el calendario de pago de las Becas Para El Bienestar para beneficiarias y beneficiarios de CONTINUIDAD," reinforcing the structured approach to issuing payments.
The Rita Cetina Scholarship serves as not just financial assistance but as part of Mexico’s broader strategy to bolster educational support for the younger populace. The initiative reflects significant state commitment, targeting economic barriers to education and enabling family growth and student retention through structured financial support.
Overall, the distribution of Rita Cetina scholarship cards signifies hope for thousands of families seeking to alleviate financial burden during the academic year. With specifications, timelines, and requirements clearly outlined, students and their families can now readily engage with the system, ensuring they maximize the benefits of this scholarship program.