Mexico to Expand Well-Being Universities Program

The Mexican government is pushing forward with plans to expand its education system through the Universidades para el Bienestar Benito Juárez García (UBBJ) initiative. This project aims to increase access to higher education for young people across the country, particularly those from underserved communities.

There are now 202 UBBJ campuses operating in Mexico, with a total enrollment of 85,000 students. The network is supported by 1,652 faculty members and has graduated nearly 6,000 students. Raquel Sosa, Head, UBBJ, highlighted that the program has thrived under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum and the coordination of Mario Delgado, Minister of Education.

The most recent addition to the network is the Universidad para el Bienestar Parque Ecológico Lago de Texcoco, located in the State of Mexico. This new campus offers programs in medicine, civil engineering, and electromechanical engineering. It has 635 students enrolled in medicine, 460 in civil engineering, and 49 in electromechanical engineering. The growing infrastructure is expected to accommodate even more students as additional resources are secured.

Sosa says that UBBJ is more than just an educational institution; it is a community-driven project that strengthens local areas by providing access to higher education. 

The Ministry of Education plans to open 20 additional campuses by the 2025-2026 academic year, with a goal of reaching 300 campuses nationwide. This expansion is projected to involve an investment of between MX$7 billion (US$357 million) and MX$8 billion (US$408 million) in infrastructure.

UBBJ provides scholarships and health insurance for all its students. Medical students also receive additional benefits, including support for their internships.