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The Foundation of the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM) at the University of Chile, the ARPA Network has been awarded the Fondo Colectivo Norte, an initiative led by Fundación Reimagina with the support of BHP Foundation and the sponsorship of Chile’s Ministry of Education and UNESCO. The project aims to transform the teaching of Mathematics and Language in 14 schools located in the municipalities of Chañaral, Caldera, and Diego de Almagro, which belong to the Atacama Local Public Education Service (SLEP Atacama).
Over three years, the initiative will benefit more than 150 teachers and 40 school leaders, directly impacting the learning of over 6,000 students from 1st grade through 12th grade. Its purpose is to strengthen professional development for teachers, establish sustainable pedagogical practices, and promote active and meaningful learning aligned with 21st-century skills.
“We aim to build local training capacities, strengthen pedagogical leadership, and promote sustainable classroom practices that transform the learning experience in mathematics and language. It is a collaborative, long-term project,” said Prof. Patricio Felmer, Scientific Director of the ARPA Network and Associate Researcher at the CMM.
The project will be implemented by the Foundation of the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM), in collaboration with the Center for Advanced Research in Education (CIAE), the University of Atacama, and the Fundación Bien Público.
From the CMM’s Executive Directorate, this recognition validates years of work and opens new opportunities for educational innovation.
“This achievement reflects the commitment of the ARPA Network and the CMM Foundation to high-quality public education with a focus on local territories. Being selected and ultimately awarded the Fondo Colectivo Norte is a powerful incentive to continue innovating in the teaching of Mathematics and Language, strengthening teacher development, and building sustainable local capacities in northern Chile,” said Carolina Meruane, General Manager of the CMM Foundation.
From the perspective of the strategic partners, this fund creates an opportunity for long-term transformation in the education system.
“We are thrilled to have been selected for this fund. We developed a solid proposal that embodies the spirit of the Efecto Colectivo program, driven by the conviction to generate real impact on students and local institutions. This project will help strengthen Local Public Education Services and build lasting capacities, creating the conditions to replicate the model in other territories,” stated Rafael Rodríguez, Executive Secretary of Fundación Bien Público.
A Sustainable, Replicable, and Collaborative Education Model
The project is based on an intervention model built around three complementary pillars designed to ensure long-term sustainability and depth.
First, it includes a situated and networked Teacher Professional Development Program, combining theoretical and practical training through collaborative problem-solving strategies in Mathematics and Language. This approach integrates training sessions, joint lesson planning, classroom practice, and pedagogical reflection, fostering continuous improvement cycles and ongoing feedback.
The second pillar focuses on strengthening pedagogical leadership within school management teams to ensure that innovations can be sustained and consolidated over time, promoting more autonomous and collaborative educational communities.
The third component seeks to develop local training capacities through the preparation of trainers and mentors at the University of Atacama and within SLEP Atacama, who will lead mentoring and monitoring processes, ensuring continuity and territorial expansion of the model.
“During its implementation, the initiative will focus on the three initial SLEP Atacama municipalities—Chañaral, Caldera, and Diego de Almagro—where cohorts of teachers and principals will engage in training and mentoring processes. This joint work between universities, public institutions, and organizations lays the groundwork for future expansion toward Copiapó, Tierra Amarilla, and SLEP Huasco,” explained Teresa Sánchez, Executive Director of ARPA.
Educational Innovation for the Public Good
The Fondo Colectivo Norte is part of Fundación Reimagina’s strategy to mobilize the private sector for the public good. In 2022, together with BHP Foundation, the organization launched the Efecto Colectivo Fund, which aims to foster transformative and sustainable education in Chile. Its first call in 2023 mobilized over 100 initiatives and 200 organizations nationwide, promoting projects with long-term social impact.
ARPA Network was one of eight projects selected to participate in the Efecto Colectivo Norte Bootcamp, an instance designed to strengthen project proposals. This experience provided access to new tools, methodologies, and knowledge that enhanced their value proposition.
The results of the fund were announced on October 2, 2025, when three projects were finally awarded funding, including “ARPA Network: Pedagogical Community for Active Learning and the Development of 21st Century Skills.”
Posted on Oct 7, 2025 in News
