CONALEP Reports Gains in Retention, Graduation Rates

Mexico’s National Professional Technical Education College (CONALEP) has reported sustained improvements in student retention, graduation rates, and academic performance, reflecting a broader strategy to strengthen upper secondary education pathways, according to the Ministry of Public Education (SEP).

Mario Delgado, Minister of Education, says the results stem from an integrated policy focused on academic support, institutional engagement, and comprehensive student development within upper secondary education. Speaking during a working meeting with Rodrigo Rojas, Director General, CONALEP, Delgado said the institution’s progress aligns with the National Baccalaureate System promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum.

CONALEP provides upper secondary technical education focused on competency development, offers technological and workforce training services, and conducts labor competency assessments for certification purposes. The institution aims to be recognized for preparing professionals in advanced technological development, building partnerships with the productive sectors, and contributing to applied research, while operating under principles of transparency, quality, innovation, and adaptability.

CONALEP provides technical education across 67 career programs, serving 324,335 students nationwide. The system operates 313 campuses, supported by 14,840 teachers. Delgado says that these efforts are complemented by federal social programs, including the Benito Juárez Universal Scholarship for upper secondary education, which supported more than 4 million students in 2025.

A key component of the strategy has been the implementation of the Common Upper Secondary Education Curriculum Framework, aimed at standardizing learning outcomes, promoting flexible educational pathways, and strengthening socioemotional skills and critical thinking across the subsystem. According to SEP, this framework has contributed to improved academic outcomes.

Delgado also highlights the ongoing update of CONALEP’s academic offerings, including the introduction of new technical programs aligned with strategic sectors and labor market needs. He adds that the gradual incorporation of virtual laboratories, expanded educational counseling, and academic leveling strategies has improved access to learning resources and student performance.

Federal initiatives such as La Escuela es Nuestra (The School is Ours), the Schools Free of Violence strategy, and the Benito Juárez scholarship program have further supported student well-being, infrastructure conditions, and school continuity, says Delgado.

CONALEP closed 2025 with measurable progress in key indicators, says Rojas. Enrollment capacity increased from 307,859 students in 2018 to 324,335 in 2025. Over the same period, the school dropout rate declined from 16.3% to 12.9%, keeping more than 8,000 additional students in classrooms.

Graduation efficiency also improved, rising from 50.18% in 2018 to 62.57% in 2025. This increase represents more than 17,000 additional graduates completing their technical education on time. Rojas says the results reflect sustained efforts to strengthen academic pathways, modernize educational offerings and provide closer student support, particularly during the early semesters, when dropout risk is highest.

Together, SEP officials say, the figures point to a more inclusive upper secondary education model, with higher retention and completion rates, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public, free, and accessible education.