CMPC and Formando Chile launch free pre-university program for students in Biobío, Arauco, and Ñuble

Students from the Ñuble and Biobío regions began the online pre-university program of the Academic Excellence Scholarship at Inacap in Los Ángeles. This initiative, driven by CMPC in partnership with Formando Chile, marks the start of a process aimed at bringing educational opportunities to territories where they have historically been more restricted.

The initiative will benefit a total of 17 students in the Biobío Region, coming from communes in the provinces of Arauco and Biobío, reflecting broad territorial coverage. Of the total, 4 are from Cañete, 4 from Santa Bárbara, 2 from Contulmo and Curanilahue, and 1 student from the communes of Los Álamos, Los Ángeles, Mulchén, Quilleco, and Yumbel. This consolidates a coverage that expands access to academic preparation tools in both urban and rural sectors.

Meanwhile, in the Ñuble Region, the program will benefit 3 students from the Diguillín Province, specifically from the communes of Pemuco (2) and Yungay (1), thereby extending the reach of this initiative to new territories in the south of the country.

This program, part of EFIES (School of Preparation for Higher Education Entry), features a 100% online and asynchronous format, allowing young people to study at their own pace and balance their preparation with their family and school contexts. Through a digital platform, students will have access to content in language, mathematics, history, and science, as well as practice tests and vocational guidance throughout the process.

Eliana Salazar, a 17-year-old fourth-year high school student from Insuco in Chillán, hailing from the Pemuco commune, valued the opportunity to be part of the program and highlighted its impact on her academic future: "It's a huge opportunity because often one doesn't have the means to access a pre-university program, and this is something very much appreciated. I would like to study Industrial Civil Engineering, ideally at the University of Concepción, and knowing I can prepare without having to pay is something one doesn't want to miss. My family is very happy because, beyond the distance, they understand this is a real opportunity to progress," she commented.

During the launch event, which brought together students, guardians, and organizing teams, the impact of this type of initiative on educational equity was highlighted, enabling young people from different territories to have concrete tools to plan their entry into higher education.

In this context, CMPC emphasized the value of this program as an opportunity to support students at a key stage in their lives, strengthening their capabilities and expanding their future possibilities.

"For us, it is very relevant to give this initial kick-off and launch a new version of the online pre-university program. Today we are supporting fourth-year high school students at a key stage, providing them with tools and knowledge to face the PAES and plan their entry into higher education," said Cristóbal Palazuelos, the company's Community Relations Assistant Manager.

Alto Biobío: In-person training to bring opportunities closer

In parallel, the in-person format pre-university program also began in the commune of Alto Biobío, benefiting 60 third and fourth-year high school students from the Liceo Intercultural Bilingüe in Ralco. This modality seeks to adapt to the particularities of the territory and strengthen direct support for students.

The in-person version will allow for on-the-ground academic support, facilitating access for those with greater connectivity difficulties or who require closer accompaniment, reaffirming the commitment of the involved institutions to a more inclusive and relevant education.

In that context, Débora Quipaiñán, a fourth-year student at the Liceo Intercultural Bilingüe in Ralco, valued the opportunity and explained that she decided to participate in the program because she wants to study English Pedagogy: "These types of opportunities not only strengthen academic content but also prepare you for university life. I hope to improve my way of expressing myself, learn to navigate new environments, and share with other students, because I know these tools will be key for my future," she pointed out.

In this way, both modalities—online and in-person—reflect a complementary strategy aimed at reducing gaps and generating real opportunities for young people in Biobío, bringing higher education closer to those who need it most.