BTN News: In a significant stride towards enhancing access to higher education, the Government of Atlántico and the Barranquilla University Institution (IUB) have embarked on a groundbreaking initiative that promises to shape the future of thousands of young people in the region. Over the next four years, a total of 10,000 scholarships will be made available to students from the department’s municipalities, aiming to support those from low-income backgrounds who have demonstrated academic excellence. This ambitious educational push is set to begin in September 2024, with the first cohort of 2,000 students. By 2027, the program will have reached its goal of empowering 10,000 youths through education. The initiative is not just a step towards individual advancement but a strategic move to foster broader socio-economic development in the Atlántico region.
This initiative, brought to life through a collaborative agreement between the Atlántico Governorship and the Barranquilla University Institution, is set to offer a variety of academic programs tailored to the evolving demands of the modern job market. Students will have the opportunity to enroll in programs such as a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, a Technology degree in Administrative Management, a Technology degree in Occupational Safety and Health, a Professional Technician in Industrial Process Operation, a Professional Technician in Foreign Trade Operations, and a Professional Technician in Multimedia Graphic Production. These programs have been carefully selected to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in key sectors of the economy, ensuring that their education translates directly into employability.
A key feature of this initiative is its emphasis on making education accessible. To this end, the classes will be held in six strategically chosen municipalities, scheduled during the late afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., accommodating students who may have other daytime commitments. The governor of Atlántico, Eduardo Verano, and the rector of the Barranquilla University Institution, Arcesio Julián Castro, underscored the importance of this program during the signing of the agreement. They emphasized that the inclusion of a robust technological component in the curricula will enable students to progress from technical levels to professional degrees, thus aligning with the current demands of the labor market.
Governor Verano highlighted that this initiative is about more than just education—it’s about driving economic and social progress in the region. By enabling 10,000 young people to access higher education, the program is expected to have a ripple effect, stimulating local economies and fostering a more educated and skilled workforce. Furthermore, students benefiting from this scholarship program will also be eligible for the “Renta Joven” initiative by the Department of Social Prosperity, a measure designed to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their educational pursuits.
This scholarship initiative is part of the broader “Atlántico for the World” development plan, which allocates 62% of its resources to improving the living conditions of the department’s residents. By focusing on education, the plan aims to create lasting change, ensuring that the youth of Atlántico are well-prepared to contribute to the region’s future growth. The initiative is set to run until December 2027, and by its conclusion, it will have laid a solid foundation for the next generation of leaders, professionals, and innovators in Atlántico.
This concerted effort between the government and educational institutions not only demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence but also underscores the critical role that education plays in regional development. As these 10,000 scholarships open doors for young people across Atlántico, the region is poised to benefit from a more educated, skilled, and capable workforce ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
