Mexico Allocates MX$22 Billion to Schools Through LEEN Program

Through the program La Escuela es Nuestra (LEEN), MX$22 billion (US$1.19 billion) have been distributed throughout 2025 to improve infrastructure at 69,302 schools across the country, reports Mexico’s Ministry of Public Education (SEP). The investment benefits 8.1 million students in basic and upper secondary education.

Pamela López, General Director, LEEN, says that the program ensures that resources are delivered directly to school committees composed of parents, teachers, and students, who decide how to allocate funds based on each school’s needs. “With these actions, community participation is strengthened and decisions on the use of resources respond to the priorities of each school,” says López.

The program operates with a total annual budget of MX$25 billion (US$1.35 billion). 2025 is the first year that LEEN has expanded to include upper secondary education, following a directive from President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to SEP, 6,050 upper secondary schools received direct support, reaching 51% of public institutions at this level. In basic education, 63,252 schools were covered nationwide, equivalent to 36% of that sector. Combined, the program reached 37% of schools in Mexico this year.

Authorities highlight that priority was given to schools located in vulnerable areas, particularly in Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. These regions, which face persistent infrastructure challenges, have been identified as requiring additional support.

In Mexico City, LEEN funds were directed only to upper secondary schools. At the basic education level, infrastructure support continues under the Mejor Escuela program, which was implemented during Sheinbaum’s tenure as mayor. This measure was taken to avoid overlap between federal and local programs while maintaining full coverage.

López says that 6,470 additional school committees were recently established in both basic and upper secondary schools. These committees will receive payment cards from Banco del Bienestar in October, with resource distribution expected in November. This will complete the allocation of the remaining budget for the 2025 fiscal year.

SEP officials say that the program will continue to expand to strengthen infrastructure in schools that have historically faced funding limitations.