Ecopetrol and National University ink alliance to support higher education in Catatumbo

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA (By Ana Sanches, Energy Analytics Institute, 28.Aug.2025, Words: 283) — State-owned Ecopetrol and the National University of Colombia signed an alliance within the framework of the Special Territorial Admission Program (PAET). This, with the purpose of facilitating access to higher education for 35 young people from the municipalities of Ocaña, El Carmen, Convención, Teorama, San Calixto, Hacarí, La Playa, El Tarra, Tibú and Sardinata, in Norte de Santander.

Said youth will be able to take programs in medicine, veterinary, animal husbandry and dentistry, at the Bogotá headquarters of the National University.

The National University will assume the costs of enrollment and follow-up, while Ecopetrol will finance the maintenance of the students, which includes food, accommodation and local transportation in the city of Bogotá, Ecopetrol said on 28 Aug. 2025 in an official statement.

The total investment in this initiative is estimated at $21.126mn, of which Ecopetrol will contribute $12.698mn, while the National University will contribute $8,428mn.

Source: Smapse

Support for the youth in Colombia through this program constitutes an alternative of social investment that meets several of the goals set by Ecopetrol with an aim of contributing to closing gaps in education and promoting alternatives that lead to the construction of peace and equity in the territories.

This educational project responds to the guidelines of the national ten-year education plan 2016-2026, associated with improving access and coverage in higher education, guaranteeing the permanence of students and reducing dropout due to external factors. It also contributes to the goals Colombia has established within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in terms of expanding the coverage of higher education in the South American country.

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By Ana Sanches reporting from Bogota. © 2025 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.