Mexico Gives 10 Million Students Scholarships This Year

Nearly 10 million Mexican children walked into their classrooms this week knowing something their parents never did: the government believes their education matters enough to invest in it directly.

President Claudia Sheinbaum kicked off the 2026-27 school year at a Mexico City secondary school, where 28 million students and 1.6 million teachers nationwide began classes. Every single public primary school student received the Rita Cetina scholarship, a payment of 2,500 pesos (about $147) to help families cover school supplies, uniforms, and other education expenses.

Education Minister Mario Delgado called it historic. "This is the first school year in which we have universal coverage," he told reporters gathered at the No. 10 "Artes Gráficas" secondary school in Mexico City's Doctores neighborhood.

The scholarship program extends beyond primary school too. Public secondary and high school students also receive government support, though the primary school program marks the first time every student at that level gets help.

"The classroom shouldn't be a space of differentiation regarding who has more and who has less," Sheinbaum said during her morning press conference. She emphasized that the goal is simple: "Nobody leaves school for an economic reason."

The president also used the back-to-school moment to address a growing concern among parents and teachers. More than 565,000 teachers completed a survey about cell phone use in schools, and 81% want clear guidelines for safe device use in classrooms.

Nearly half of surveyed teachers said phones and smartwatches make it hard to keep students focused. Another 40% reported that social media conflicts between students spill into the classroom, creating new challenges for educators.

The Ripple Effect

The scholarship program represents more than financial support. It sends a message to millions of families that education is a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it.

By removing economic barriers, Mexico is betting on a generation of students who might otherwise have dropped out to help support their families. The country is also tackling modern challenges head on, recognizing that today's education includes navigating digital spaces safely.

National rules on cell phone use in schools will be finalized at an upcoming meeting of state education ministers. Half of Mexico's 32 states already ban phones in classrooms, and the federal government aims to create consistent policies nationwide.

For now, 28 million students have started the year with something invaluable: the knowledge that their country is investing in their future, one scholarship at a time.