CRUCH makes progress in implementing a new access pathway for youth leadership

Within the framework of the plenary session of the CRUCH Admission and Enrollment Commission, the universities worked on the incorporation of the new special admission pathway.

The plenary session also addressed the protection of personal data and other technical challenges facing institutions in preparation for the 2027 Admission Process.

One of the main areas of work of the Admission and Enrollment Commission of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) was the implementation of the “CRUCH Quota for Youth Participation and Leadership”, a new special admission pathway established in collaboration with the Undersecretariat for Children, of the Ministry of Social Development and Family.

This new mechanism, approved by the full assembly of university presidents in January 2026, is aimed at young people who have actively participated in the Children and Adolescents' Consultative Councils (CCNNA) for at least one year, between their second and fourth years of high school. The initiative seeks to give continuity to leadership and public service experiences developed in these community, regional, and national participation spaces, recognizing them as a relevant quality for entering university life.

Currently, universities working on incorporating the quota include the University of O'Higgins, the University of Santiago, the University of Talca, the Catholic University of the North, the University of La Frontera, and, most recently, the University of Chile. Other institutions are reviewing their admissions processes to join this new pathway.

During the plenary session, which took place on August 25 and 26 at the University of Los Lagos in Santiago, María Eugenia Berzesio and Tamara Novoa, professionals from the Planning and Studies Division of the Undersecretariat for Children, presented the progress of the initiative and addressed aspects related to its implementation.

Ruth Candia, president of the CRUCH Admission and Enrollment Commission and director of Student Academic Records at the University of La Frontera, highlighted the importance of recognizing abilities that are not necessarily reflected in the regular access mechanisms.

“We are exploring how to operationalize this quota and how to value the leadership talent of young people, creating a space for equitable access that aligns closely with the mission of our institutions. We want most of our universities to offer at least one program with places for these young people,” he stated.

During the presentation, it was also highlighted that Law 21.430, on Guarantees and Comprehensive Protection of the Rights of Children and Adolescents, presents the challenge of advancing the guarantee of the rights of children and adolescents. In this context, the quota recognizes the history of participation of young people and seeks to reinforce their interest in contributing solutions for their peers, their communities, and the country.

“University communities benefit because they can count on students who already know how to perform representative roles, who have negotiated agreements, defended positions, and built consensus in their Advisory Councils. These skills are necessary in any work and learning environment,” stated María Eugenia Berzesio, from the Undersecretariat for Children.

Challenges for the upcoming admissions processes

The plenary session also addressed the protection of personal data and its implications for institutions. The program also considered topics related to migration, best practices, and the guidelines for the 2027 Admissions Process.

“We must be absolutely prepared in terms of protecting the data of all prospective applicants. This is not just an admissions and enrollment challenge, but an institutional one, because as institutions we must comply with the regulations and their implications,” explained Ruth Candia.

The Commission also received a visit from the Rector of the Catholic University of Temuco and Alternate Executive Vice President of CRUCH, Marcela Momberg, who supports the work of this body. Also participating in the meeting was the Secretary General of CRUCH, Angélica Bosch, along with the team of professionals from the General Secretariat.

During the day, the rector listened to the delegates and shared her impressions on the challenges facing universities and the technical coordination work carried out by the Commission among the 30 institutions of the Council.