El Salvador’s government, under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, has launched the Florecimiento strategy, a groundbreaking initiative that guarantees access to free higher education for all public sector high school graduates. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for thousands of young Salvadorans to pursue university, technical, or vocational degrees according to their interests and career aspirations.
«Today we are announcing a scholarship program that benefits all young people in El Salvador, with the only requirement being to obtain good grades, complete the training process, and do community service,» President Bukele stated.
A total of 15,000 scholarships will be awarded under this program. Unlike traditional government scholarships that are limited in number, this initiative significantly expands access to higher education. The scholarships are open to all students who successfully complete their high school education, not just those with the highest GPAs.
The program is the result of a collaboration with 10 universities and specialized higher education institutions across the country. Some of these institutions include Andrés Bello University, Polytechnic University of El Salvador, Pedagogical University of El Salvador, and University of Sonsonate.
President Bukele emphasized that earning a scholarship requires commitment from students. Beneficiaries must complete a comprehensive training process, which includes a course on the DNA of poverty and the culture of integration, along with 40 hours of tutoring per subject in Language and Mathematics. Additionally, students will participate in company training, talks with prominent figures, guided university tours, and 40 hours of volunteer work as part of their preparation.
During the announcement at the National Gymnasium, thousands of students expressed their gratitude for the scholarships and the opportunities they bring. “I am very grateful to the Directorate of Integration and President Bukele because now I have the opportunity to move forward, fulfill my dreams, support my parents, and become a professional,” said Karla Castillo, one of the scholarship recipients.
The appreciation extended beyond education, as many students also acknowledged the government’s efforts in improving national security. Following the transformations in the country, the event echoed with a collective expression of gratitude: «Thank you for the security!»
This initiative represents a significant step toward expanding educational opportunities and fostering the development of future professionals in El Salvador.