The much-anticipated Rita Cetina Scholarship payments and distributions are set to begin this March, offering significant financial assistance to secondary school students across Mexico. This program, initiated under President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, aims to alleviate the educational expenses for families facing financial hardships.
During a conference held on March 3, 2025, Mario Delgado, the Secretary of Education, provided key insights about the scholarship's payment schedule, confirming exciting developments for the 5.6 million beneficiaries. "Las tarjetas de la Beca Rita Cetina, que se hayan entregado en febrero, se pagarán en marzo y las que se entreguen en marzo se pagarán en abril," Delgado stated, outlining the distribution plan.
The payments for the first bimonthly period, covering January and February, will see deposits starting from March 3, with beneficiaries who received their cards in February eligible for these funds. Those who receive their cards this month can expect their payments to be processed next month, marking the beginning of financial support for this academic year.
Each Rita Cetina Scholarship offers substantial aid—1,900 pesos bimonthly, with additional support of 700 pesos for each additional student within the family. This enhancement aims to help cover costs for school uniforms, supplies, meals, and other educational necessities, particularly targeting families with multiple children enrolled in secondary school.
The distribution of the scholarship funds will follow a specific schedule based on the alphabetical order of beneficiaries' last names. For example, families whose last names begin with A will receive their payments on March 3, followed by other initials throughout the month.
To make things easier for families, the Secretary of Education emphasized the importance of the online status check available through the programs’ official portal. Beneficiaries can verify their status and payment history using their CURP. This online tool is particularly useful during this busy rollout period, ensuring families have access to their financial aid details.
Beyond payments, the scholarship also includes the delivery of cards to beneficiaries. The distribution will take place through various schools across all states of Mexico until March 28, ensuring every qualifying student can access their funds effectively.
Throughout March, schools will host assemblies to distribute these cards, which are pivotal for students to access their educational funds. If families are uncertain about when and where their child can receive their card, they can quickly find information using the online search tool, allowing them to stay informed and prepared.
For students who have already received their cards, it is advised to wait at least ten days post-delivery to expect their first financial aid deposit. This timeline is important for families to plan their finances and understand when to expect assistance.
Overall, the Rita Cetina Scholarship highlights the Mexican government's commitment to supporting education for all students. By providing this necessary economic assistance, the program seeks to eliminate barriers to education, helping students continue their schooling without added financial stress.
All of these measures are aimed at ensuring students can successfully navigate their educational journeys, regardless of their financial background, signaling hope for many families across the nation.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay updated on their children’s scholarship status, as it will help facilitate the timely receipt of funds necessary for their scholarly pursuits. With the expanded financial support, more students can focus on their education and less on their financial constraints.