By Belen Burgstaller | Belen Burgstaller
In this final quarter of the year, we successfully completed a fundamental component of the Acceder Estudiando Program: the University Life Orientation process (OVU). This pathway was designed to support young women joining the program at one of the most challenging moments in their journeys: the start of university.
For all of them, being the first generation to attend university means navigating an unfamiliar system and making decisions that affect not only their own future, but also that of their families. In response to this challenge, OVU was conceived as a comprehensive support space that combines information, practical tools, and the building of a support network among peers and professionals.
Over the course of six sessions—five of them in person—we supported 16 young women through group workshops and individual meetings. We worked on self-awareness, vocational guidance, understanding the university system, academic pathway planning, and strengthening socio-emotional skills and self-confidence.
As a result of this process, the young women began educational projects across diverse, high-impact degree programs, including a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Public Accounting, Industrial Engineering, Law, International Relations, Biochemistry, Economics, and Occupational Health and Safety—reflecting the transformative potential of their educational journeys.
A key moment was the Professionals Panel, where women who had already graduated shared their experiences of studying and entering the workforce, combining a group space with 1:1 exchange opportunities. This session enabled the young women to address questions, connect with real role models, and strengthen their motivation to pursue their university path with greater enthusiasm and determination.
By the end of OVU, we observed greater clarity in academic decision-making, stronger support networks, and more realistic and sustainable educational goals. The process serves as a bridge for access and retention, reducing inequalities and supporting young women in turning the desire to study into an achievable plan.
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