Abstract:

The Business School at the UPAEP in Puebla, Mexico, has been attracting not only local students, but also those coming from other countries and even from indigenous communities from the northern Sierra in the state of Puebla and other marginalized communities from the state of Veracruz, who take part in the A Bet for the future scholarship program.

This program was founded 10 years ago to offer scholarships to young leaders from rural communities in order to promote social development through holistic education and projects oriented towards the transformation of their home towns and a betterment of living conditions. By 2018, 47 students have successfully graduated from the program.

Students on the scholarship program are encouraged to participate in leadership training and other activities such as conferences in which they talk about their experience, extra-curricular activities and many others. These activities are designed to widen their horizons and also to fully integrate into the new culture.

For some students, the beginning can be somewhat complicated due to the adaptation process and the cultural differences they face, therefore, an accompaniment processes is essential to avoid the desertion of these young leaders.

Research on particular needs of indigenous students has shown the need to create specific, to reduce the asymmetries and inequalities between students so that they can all have the same opportunities as any other student and become successful in their career paths, regardless of their place of origin or ethnic group.

Keywords:

Integration, indigenous students, programs, reduce inequalities.