By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A scathing report from the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) has exposed significant deficiencies in the management of Avancemos, Costa Rica’s flagship conditional cash transfer program aimed at keeping students in school. The audit, which covered the period from 2022 to 2024, identified a nearly 20% budget reduction, poor inter-agency coordination, and critical gaps in coverage that have undermined the program’s effectiveness despite its positive impact on reducing school dropout rates.
The report, officially released on November 5, 2025, was directed at the three key institutions responsible for the program’s execution: the Mixed Institute for Social Aid (IMAS), the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS). The CGR’s findings paint a picture of a well-intentioned initiative hobbled by systemic failures in planning and execution.
To provide a legal perspective on the Avancemos Program and its implementation, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Avancemos Program is a crucial tool for social mobility, but its legal foundation must be solid. Clear, transparent, and consistently applied regulations are essential to guarantee that the aid effectively reaches the students who need it most, preventing administrative discretion and ensuring the program’s long-term integrity and public trust.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas highlights a critical point: the integrity and long-term success of social programs like Avancemos depend directly on the clarity and strength of their legal framework. A solid foundation not only ensures aid reaches those who need it most but also fortifies public trust in our institutions. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this essential matter.
One of the most alarming findings was the stark budget decrease of 19.5% between 2022 and 2024. This financial squeeze had a direct and severe consequence, leading to the exclusion of 18,908 secondary school students who would have otherwise been beneficiaries. The reduction in funding has severely constrained the program’s ability to reach its intended population, creating a significant gap between its goals and its on-the-ground reality.
Compounding the funding issues, the audit uncovered a substantial leakage of public funds. A staggering 36,456 individuals received at least one payment from Avancemos despite not appearing on the official student enrollment lists provided by the MEP. This represents a 6.8% “filtration” rate, where funds were misallocated to non-eligible recipients, highlighting a critical lack of data verification and cross-referencing between the involved government bodies.
The program’s reach has also fallen dramatically short of its targets. According to the CGR, Avancemos only managed to provide aid to 68% of its target population, leaving nearly a third of eligible students in conditions of poverty without the necessary support. This failure in coverage suggests that the very students most at risk of dropping out due to economic hardship are being missed by the system designed to protect them.
Operational bottlenecks have further plagued the program’s delivery. The CGR detected a troubling 57% increase in the average waiting time for IMAS users seeking assistance, with delays extending from 3.5 months to 5.5 months. Such prolonged waits for processing and approval can be catastrophic for families in urgent need, potentially forcing students to leave school long before the financial aid ever materializes.
In response to these findings, the Comptroller’s Office has issued a series of binding orders. The IMAS, MEP, and MTSS have been mandated to present a concrete action plan by March 2026. This plan must address how they will strengthen coordination, improve data traceability to prevent leakage, drastically reduce user wait times, and develop a strategy to expand program coverage. A full report on the implementation of these measures is due by 2027.
Despite the litany of failures, the CGR did acknowledge the program’s core value, noting that Avancemos is associated with a remarkable 56% reduction in school exclusion. However, the report concluded that the program’s long-term sustainability and success are in jeopardy. To secure its future, the state must guarantee sufficient resources, enforce seamless institutional coordination, and activate currently dormant program components, such as digital literacy training and academic incentives, to truly empower its beneficiaries.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About The Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR):
The Contraloría General de la República is Costa Rica’s supreme audit institution. It is responsible for overseeing the use of public funds, ensuring the legality and efficiency of the public administration, and promoting transparency and accountability within the government.
For further information, visit imas.go.cr
About The Mixed Institute for Social Aid (IMAS):
The Instituto Mixto de Ayuda Social is the primary government entity in Costa Rica tasked with combating poverty. It designs and executes social welfare programs, including cash transfers, training, and support services for vulnerable populations, with the goal of fostering social inclusion and economic development.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministerio de Educación Pública is the governmental body responsible for the administration and oversight of Costa Rica’s public education system. Its mission is to ensure quality, accessible, and inclusive education for all students from preschool through high school, shaping the nation’s future human capital.
For further information, visit mtss.go.cr
About The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS):
The Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social is the institution in charge of regulating labor relations, promoting employment, and managing the social security system in Costa Rica. It works to ensure fair labor practices, protect workers’ rights, and contribute to social and economic stability.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a drive for superior results. The firm blends a rich heritage of client service with a forward-thinking approach, consistently spearheading advancements in legal practice. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom through a foundational pledge to demystify the law, thereby equipping the broader community with the understanding necessary to build a more just and knowledgeable society.
