Michoacán is taking steps to bridge the digital divide, with the state government distributing free data chips to students across the region. The initiative, spearheaded by Education Secretary Gabriela Molina and supported by Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, aims to provide internet access to students in secondary and higher education, including those attending the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH) and various technological institutions. This effort is part of the broader Plan Michoacán for Peace and Justice, designed to equip students with the technological tools needed for academic success.
The program’s roots trace back to a vision championed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, with Governor Ramírez Bedolla driving the initiative at the state level. The goal is to reduce the digital gap among young people, ensuring that lack of resources doesn’t hinder their educational journeys. According to Secretary Molina, the program will deliver internet access directly to educational institutions and regional centers, fostering both community and educational development.
Distribution of the SIM cards is underway and will continue until March 27th at several locations throughout the state. Students can access the chips at the Instituto Tecnológico Superior in Uruapan and Zamora, with service available from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Universidad Politécnica in the port of Lázaro Cárdenas is similarly serving as a distribution point. Additional locations include the Instituto Tecnológico Superior in Ciudad Hidalgo and Apatzingán, operating on the same schedule, Monday through Friday.
To receive a chip, students must present a copy of their official identification (INE) and their CURP. Students affiliated with the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH) will also need to provide a printout of their course load from the SIIA portal or a current student ID.
The D4TA program is gaining traction on social media, with updates shared by officials like Gabriela Molina (@GabyMolinaMX on X, formerly Twitter) announcing the ongoing distribution of free data chips in Morelia, specifically at the Centro de Convenciones from March 17th to 27th, between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. See the latest updates on X.
This initiative builds on previous efforts to expand digital access in the region. A recent Facebook video shows Education Secretary Gabriela Molina alongside the rector of the Universidad Nacional Rosario Castellanos discussing collaborative efforts to improve educational resources.
The program’s final registration deadline was March 22nd, as noted in a Facebook post, emphasizing the urgency for students to participate. Gabriela Molina is also active on Instagram (@gabymolinamx), where she shares updates on educational initiatives and her role as a feminist and advocate for education. Follow her on Instagram for more information.
As the distribution phase concludes on March 27th, the focus will shift to monitoring the program’s impact on student access to online learning resources and overall academic performance. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar programs aimed at closing the digital divide in other regions of Mexico.
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