The Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC) announced the details of the Pé-de-Meia program on Thursday, including the payment calendar for 2026. This initiative aims to support high school students by providing a monthly financial incentive intended to curb school dropout rates and improve access to higher education and employment opportunities. The government believes that such financial aids can significantly enhance the educational journey of students, especially those from less privileged backgrounds.

For the year 2026, eligible students who successfully passed all three years of high school in 2025 will receive a one-time payment of R$ 1000, scheduled between February 26 and March 5. Additionally, those who participated in both days of the National High School Exam (Enem) and completed their senior year will receive an extra R$ 200. The total amount students can earn for regular attendance in school is R$ 1,800, which will be distributed in up to nine installments.

The announcement is part of a broader effort by the Brazilian government to address issues of educational inequality and to incentivize students' commitment to their studies. By stabilizing financial support through programs like Pé-de-Meia, the MEC hopes to make significant strides in retaining students within the education system and facilitating their transition to higher educational institutions and the workforce, thus fostering a more equitable society overall.