Introduction to the Program and Its Expansion
Mario Delgado Carrillo, the Secretary of Public Education (SEP), announced that the “La Escuela es Nuestra” (LEEN) program will benefit over 143,000 schools by 2026. Currently, the program, led by Pamela López Ruiz, is addressing 68,000 schools, with the number set to increase to 75,000 by 2026.
Program Background and Relevance
The LEEN program is a significant social initiative under the second tier of Mexico’s Fourth Transformation. It aims to improve school infrastructure, ensuring safe and dignified learning environments for students. The program has already made substantial progress in 2025, rehabilitating 74,250 schools nationwide, benefiting 8.1 million students.
Financial Commitment and Priorities
Delgado Carrillo highlighted that the program’s budget will rise from 25 billion pesos in 2025 to 26 billion pesos in 2026, demonstrating the government’s commitment to education under President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
Current Progress and Future Plans
In 2025, LEEN improved the infrastructure of 74,250 schools, benefiting 8.1 million students with safer and more dignified learning spaces. The program’s social investment of 25 billion pesos in 2025 underscores the priority given to education by President Sheinbaum Pardo.
2025 Achievements
Of the 68,110 basic education schools benefited in 2025, 16,796 were secondary schools, with a total investment of 5.128 billion pesos. Pamela López Ruiz, the program’s director, also mentioned that support is still being provided to 776 schools in Puebla and Veracruz, totaling 238 million pesos.
Future Expansion
By 2026, an additional 75,000 basic education schools will be included in the program, aiming for a 65% coverage of this educational level across Mexico. The SEP will prioritize schools with greater needs and those located in high-marginality zones, indigenous justice plan states, and Centros de Atención Múltiple (CAM).
Annual Allocation and Focus Areas
According to the program’s six-year plan, Centros de Educación Especial and schools in indigenous justice plan zones will receive annual attention. Meanwhile, Early Childhood Education, Preschool, and Primary schools will be supported twice during the six-year term. Secondary schools will receive attention thrice during President Mexico’s mandate.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the “La Escuela es Nuestra” (LEEN) program? LEEN is a significant social initiative under Mexico’s Fourth Transformation, focusing on improving school infrastructure and learning environments.
- How many schools will benefit from LEEN by 2026? Over 143,000 schools will be supported by the LEEN program by 2026.
- What is the budget for LEEN in 2026? The LEEN program’s budget will be 26 billion pesos in 2026.
- Which types of schools will be prioritized in the future? Schools with greater needs, located in high-marginality zones, and those under indigenous justice plans will be prioritized.
- How often will different school types receive support? Early Childhood Education, Preschool, and Primary schools will be supported twice during the six-year term. Secondary schools will receive attention thrice.
