In a context in which public education faces the challenge of ensuring not only access, but also complete learning pathways, retention, and future prospects, the Congress of the Republic awarded Alianza Educativa the Simón Bolívar Order of Democracy, Commander’s Cross grade—the highest distinction granted by Congress—in recognition of the organization’s contribution to the education and social sectors. This recognition highlights its work to strengthen public education in Colombia through the transfer of experience, best practices, and a high-quality curriculum.

The ceremony, held in the Luis Carlos Galán Hall, recognizes a 26-year track record that has shown it is possible to close inequality gaps through education. Along this path, Alianza Educativa has established itself as a city asset: a public-private collaboration model that makes quality education possible and expands real opportunities for thousands of students, contributing effectively to equity and social development.

The ceremony was attended by principals, parents, and student ombudspersons from the eleven schools, as well as administrators and the leaders, managers, and founders of Alianza Educativa: Raquel Bernal, President of Universidad de los Andes; Juan Fernando Corral, Headmaster of Colegio San Carlos; Camilo Camargo, Headmaster of Colegio Los Nogales; and María Mercedes de Brigard, Headmistress of Colegio Gimnasio La Montaña—key partners in consolidating this model.

The decoration—whose invitation was led by Bogotá Representative to the Chamber Andrés Forero—was accompanied, in his remarks, by recognition of the impact of Alianza Educativa’s model. He highlighted the organization’s ability to transform one of the system’s most critical issues: dropout rates and the lack of continuity in educational pathways.

“This was a recognition that was long overdue in the Congress of the Republic, because Alianza Educativa has now spent 25 years transforming the lives of thousands of young people in the district and thousands of families. One of the most sensitive issues for public education is school dropout, and it has been addressed very successfully by Alianza Educativa, which has achieved a dropout rate in its schools of just 0.03% in 2024, while for the rest of the district’s schools it was 2.49%”, Forero stated, also underscoring its ability to ensure quality education in complex social environments.

This recognition highlights a sustained commitment over 26 years: ensuring that ALL students learn. That principle guides every decision at Alianza Educativa and translates into work focused on closing inequality gaps through quality public education, based on the transfer of experience, the implementation of best practices, and a strong curriculum.

From the partner institutions, this purpose is understood as a national commitment. This was expressed by Raquel Bernal, President of Universidad de los Andes, as she emphasized the model’s long-term vision and its impact on social mobility:

“Our dream is that, by transforming the lives of the children and adolescents of this country, we can close those learning gaps that have caused inequality in the country. Our dream is to continue contributing to Alianza Educativa and to help it grow; we truly believe in education as the best driver of social mobility for Colombia, and from Universidad de los Andes we remain committed to contributing to Alianza through our best practices.”

This impact is built through a comprehensive approach that places deep learning and human development at the center, with the following pillars: addressing learning gaps in a timely manner with a rigorous focus on foundational learning, supported by systematic leveling and remediation processes that ensure no student is left behind; promoting the building of positive relationships and the development of socio-emotional skills in diverse environments; intentionally supporting each student’s life project, connecting learning with their transition to higher education; and strengthening educational management with a clear focus on teaching quality and continuous improvement.

From the organization’s leadership, these results reflect a core conviction: putting the student at the center transforms life trajectories. This was highlighted by Diana Paola Basto, Executive Director of Alianza Educativa:

“Alianza Educativa is proof that collaboration between the public and private sectors for the common good—in this case, quality public education—is possible. Alianza’s example over these 26 years shows that, by putting the student at the center and ensuring that ALL students truly learn, we can transform life trajectories. This is reflected in the 72% transition rate to higher education in 2024, well above Bogotá and Colombia”.

Alianza Educativa’s results are consistent: two institutions in the top A+ category and seven in category A. In school climate, there is a 70.9% reduction in serious incidents and a 99.7% effectiveness rate in mediations that prevent conflicts from escalating. This work has been recognized internationally, with the Safe Navigation program as a finalist in the QS Reimagine Education Awards.

With this decoration, the Congress of the Republic recognizes an experience that demonstrates it is possible to ensure learning, retention, and well-being for all, expanding real and sustainable opportunities for thousands of children and adolescents in Colombia.