### Government to Reactivate Scholarships for Private High Schools Due to Lack of Space in Public Institutions
For the 1,800 high school students still without a spot in the public school system, the government of Baja California is planning to place them in private schools through a state-funded scholarship. This announcement was made by Luis Gilberto Gallego Cortez, Head of the State’s Education Department.
At the start of the new school year in 2024, there were 3,600 high school students without a placement. However, the authorities managed to accommodate half of these students in different public institutions that were not their first choice. “We are currently in discussions with private schools to achieve a solidarity relocation for these students. These negotiations are ongoing with private colleges,” stated Gallego Cortez during a formal event at the 16 de Septiembre Elementary School.
Discussions with private schools are reportedly progressing well, and officials anticipate being able to provide the remaining students with placements within the next few days. The state government had previously implemented a similar program called “Todos a la Prepa” in 2015, which offered scholarships to students who could not find space in public high schools. However, this program was discontinued in 2021 by then-Governor Jaime Bonilla, who transferred the students to public high schools.
Gallego Cortez noted that there has been an increase in enrollment in all levels of basic education this year compared to the previous one, pointing out that Baja California is a state that receives many people in transit. “Baja California faces these challenges, and this impacts its budget. We need to stay current with our responsibilities,” he added.
The current school enrollment includes approximately 40,000 children and young adults from mobile contexts who have joined the public education system for this school year. Gallego Cortez also mentioned that 600 classrooms still lack teachers owing to a labor strike protesting the delayed payment of salaries to interim teachers.
The Education Department is holding meetings with union leaders to encourage teachers to return to the classrooms, promising to continue with scheduled payments and to settle all debts to the teaching staff within this year.
### Additional News on Education in Tijuana
– **Over 100 COBACH Students Drop Out in Tijuana:** The academic dropout rate is seen as a reflection of personal challenges faced by students at home, according to educational experts.
– **High Suicide Vulnerability Among Youths Over 15:** Studies indicate that while completed suicides are more common among men, women are at higher risk of exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
– **Over Half a Million Residents Lack Basic Education in Tijuana:** The National Institute for Adult Education (INEA) encourages residents to take the basic education accreditation exam at the Municipal Auditorium.
– **Potential School Suspensions Due to High Temperatures:** Ongoing high temperatures have raised questions about the suspension of basic education classes, with pending evaluations for future decisions.
– **Mothers Protest Over Lack of Classes at Insurgentes Elementary School:** Parents express their concerns over the absence of classes and demand action from educational authorities.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth reports on the educational developments in Baja California and beyond.