El Ciudadano
Original article: Preuniversitario Popular de Valparaíso inició su año académico con más de 100 jóvenes inscritos
The Municipality of Valparaíso has launched a new edition of its Popular Pre-University program, a free initiative organized by the Youth Community Office. Celebrating its fourth edition in 2026, the program has attracted a wide array of students from various neighborhoods within the port city.
This year, the program boasts over 100 enrolled students, solidifying its position as a viable option for youth seeking to prepare for higher education entrance, thereby narrowing access gaps.
Classes are held at the Liceo Eduardo de la Barra, which generously provides its facilities for this initiative.
Marcia Oyarce, the Director of Community Development, emphasized the significance of this year’s edition: «This program is aimed at the most vulnerable youth in our community—young people who live on our hills and now have the opportunity to prepare for university access for free, gaining knowledge and better tools to excel in their exams, both in winter and at the end of the year.»
Organizers also expressed appreciation for the students’ interest and commitment. Sofía Ruz, coordinator and language teacher at the pre-university, highlighted that «for this year we had 120 spots available, and we are very grateful to the Liceo Eduardo de la Barra for allowing us to use their classrooms to foster this student community. It is very exciting to see young people eager to study and engage.»
«This pre-university helps to bridge the educational gap, which is a significant challenge in our society, especially given how difficult it is to access a paid pre-university,» the Valparaíso teacher added.
Grateful Youth
The students themselves have expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in this free educational program.
Kimberly Oyarce, a student from Playa Ancha, shared that she learned about the initiative «through a cousin who is nearly finishing. She told me about this option, motivating me to enroll. I was studying a technical career, but I couldn’t continue due to financial issues.»
Francisca Ibarra, a student from the center of Valparaíso, stated her desire to «study Law and needed an affordable pre-university. I couldn’t finance another option, so being able to access this one is amazing.»
The Valparaíso municipality, led by Mayor Camila Nieto, underscored that this Popular Pre-University «is positioned as a key communal policy for strengthening youth, providing concrete tools for their academic development and projecting greater opportunities for access to higher education.»
Finally, they urged students to maintain their commitment throughout the academic year, reinforcing the collaborative effort for the development and well-being of Valparaíso’s youth.
The Citizen
La entrada Valparaíso’s Popular Pre-University Program Kicks Off Academic Year with Over 100 Enrolled Youths se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.
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