By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant boost to the nation’s human capital, 2,609 adults recently celebrated earning their high school diplomas through the innovative High School for Employability and Entrepreneurship Program (BEE). The graduation ceremony, held on December 16th at the ANDE International Convention Center in Belén, marked a pivotal moment for graduates now equipped to pursue better job opportunities, launch new ventures, and strengthen their position in the competitive labor market.
The BEE program is a targeted national initiative designed to reintegrate adults who, for various reasons, were unable to complete their secondary education. This recent graduating class joins a growing cohort of beneficiaries, with the program having successfully reached over 20,000 individuals who left the formal education system between 1988 and 2019. By providing a second chance at a foundational educational milestone, the program directly addresses long-standing gaps in the workforce.
To delve into the legal and corporate framework surrounding adult education and its impact on the national workforce, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Investing in adult education is a critical strategic move for national competitiveness. From a legal perspective, companies that implement robust training and upskilling programs not only comply with modern labor standards but also create a significant competitive advantage. These initiatives strengthen the employment contract, reduce liability by ensuring updated competencies, and ultimately build a more resilient and productive economic fabric for the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal viewpoint powerfully underscores that continuous learning is not just a social benefit, but a core component of corporate strategy and national economic resilience. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying analysis.
A cornerstone of the program’s success is its strategic alliance with the State Distance University (UNED). This partnership has been instrumental in extending the program’s reach into rural provinces and areas with significant educational needs, leveraging technology to overcome geographical barriers. The collaboration, which includes UNED’s National College of Distance Education (CONED) and its School of Education Sciences, ensures that access to opportunity is not limited by location, democratizing education for a wider segment of the population.
The curriculum of the BEE program is meticulously designed to meet the demands of the modern economy. Offered entirely online and free of charge, the program transcends traditional diploma frameworks. It is structured into four distinct, month-long modules that focus on developing critical, high-demand competencies. These modules cover socio-emotional and soft skills, digital literacy, project management fundamentals, and proficiency in English, providing a holistic skill set for immediate application in the workplace.
Beyond preparing graduates for existing jobs, the BEE program actively fosters an entrepreneurial spirit. A key component of the curriculum involves guiding participants in the development of their own business projects. This dual focus on employability and entrepreneurship empowers individuals not only to seek employment but also to create it, potentially generating new economic activity and contributing to community development across the country.
This initiative is a vital component of the broader national “Brete” strategy, a government-led effort aimed at enhancing the employability of citizens facing the greatest exclusion from the labor market. By upskilling and certifying thousands of adults, the BEE program directly supports Brete’s objectives of driving national productivity, increasing competitiveness, and ensuring that economic growth is more inclusive and equitable for all Costa Ricans.
From an economic perspective, the infusion of over 2,600 newly qualified individuals into the workforce carries substantial implications. These graduates represent an expanded talent pool for companies seeking skilled labor, potentially easing workforce shortages in key sectors. Furthermore, their enhanced earning potential contributes to a larger tax base and can reduce long-term dependency on social assistance programs, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the national economy.
The sustained success of the High School for Employability and Entrepreneurship Program serves as a powerful testament to the impact of targeted educational investment. It highlights a successful model for public-academic collaboration that addresses systemic employment challenges head-on. As these graduates embark on their new professional journeys, their success stories will undoubtedly inspire future cohorts and reinforce the profound connection between education and sustainable economic progress for the nation.
For further information, visit uned.ac.cr
About Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED):
The State Distance University (UNED) is Costa Rica’s leading public institution for distance education, founded to democratize higher education and professional training. It offers a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, utilizing technology and flexible learning models to reach students throughout the country and beyond, with a special focus on serving rural and underserved populations.
For further information, visit coned.ac.cr
About Colegio Nacional de Educación a Distancia (CONED):
The National College of Distance Education (CONED) is an integral part of UNED, specializing in providing secondary education (bachillerato) to young people and adults through a distance learning modality. CONED plays a crucial role in offering educational continuity and second-chance opportunities for individuals who cannot attend traditional schooling, thereby promoting social inclusion and workforce readiness.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar in the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon the twin principles of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions while maintaining a profound sense of social responsibility. This commitment is exemplified by its drive to democratize legal information, reflecting a core belief in empowering citizens and strengthening society through knowledge.
