Education

Education is where the system begins. It is the root and foundation from which people build the skills, opportunities, and pathways to an independent and dignified life. It involves the transmission of knowledge, but also the ability to think, discern, and make decisions. From early childhood through the transition into employment, education is where independent judgment, socio-emotional well-being, and a sense of the future take shape. A vibrant educational ecosystem supports schools, education leaders, and communities in learning together, growing stronger, and continuously improving — so that educational pathways are complete, equitable, and relevant.

Why it matters
4
million
children and adolescents in Mexico don't attend school, and another 600,000 are at risk of dropping out due to factors such as lack of resources, distance, or violence. Investing in education matters because too many educational pathways are still disrupted, especially at critical transition points — and when a pathway is interrupted, so are the opportunities for well-being, participation, and autonomy that follow throughout life.
35
%
of Mexican students did not reach minimum proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science. This confirms that the challenge isn't simply getting children into school, but ensuring that they learn well and that what they learn is relevant to their lives. Investing in education matters because learning gaps limit the capabilities people can develop, reduce future opportunities, and weaken the role of schools as engines of equity.
9 vs. 63
%
only 9% of people whose parents completed primary school or less go on to higher education, compared with 63% of those whose parents attained professional degrees. Investing in education matters because, in Mexico, where you come from still weighs too heavily on where you can go. When family educational attainment determines educational trajectories, education risks reproducing the inequalities it should help overcome.
63 out 100
adolescents aged 15 to 17 are enrolled in upper-secondary education in Mexico. This figure points to one of the education system's most significant gaps, at a decisive stage in young people's lives. Investing in education matters because helping young people stay in upper-secondary education expands opportunities, strengthens life pathways, and reduces the risk of educational, employment, and social exclusion.
Datacívica
Investment areas
Educational infrastructure

Strengthen assessment, data, learning monitoring, and institutional capabilities to improve educational quality and equity.

Demonstration education models

Promote high-quality school models, particularly privately operated schools offering free access, with the potential to demonstrate and inspire replication.

Education-to-employment transition

Support the development of skills and successful transitions into higher education, decent work, and productive opportunities.

Educational trajectories

Reduce interruptions and dropout by supporting children and young people to progress through and complete key stages of education.

Early childhood development

Strengthen cognitive, socio-emotional, and developmental skills in early childhood as the foundation for stronger educational pathways.

Educational infrastructure

Strengthen assessment, data, learning monitoring, and institutional capabilities to improve educational quality and equity.

Demonstration education models

Promote high-quality school models, particularly privately operated schools offering free access, with the potential to demonstrate and inspire replication.

Education-to-employment transition

Support the development of skills and successful transitions into higher education, decent work, and productive opportunities.

Stories

Education
A school that builds the future

A school is much more than a building. It is a place where opportunities begin, communities grow stronger, and horizons expand. This story follows the creation of a space designed to strengthen educational quality and open new possibilities for young people in Mexico.

Education
When education transforms community organization

This story explores an approach that strengthens trust, well-being, and collaboration, while giving children and young people the knowledge and tools to build their capabilities and shape better lives for themselves.