# Brazilian Ministry of Education strategic initiatives > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-ministry-of-education-strategic-initiatives > Updated: 2026-11-04T00:02:39.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2. Education Minister Leonardo Barchini has focused on infrastructure development and systemic educational reforms in Brazil. Initially, the Minister conducted inspections at the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) in João Pessoa to oversee various construction projects, including laboratory upgrades, academic space improvements, and accessibility enhancements valued at several million Reais. Following these inspections, the Ministry outlined broader national objectives. These include the expansion of the Federal Institutes of Education, Science, and Technology toward a goal of 1,000 units. The Minister also addressed student support and exam stability, detailing protocols for the Enem national exam to mitigate weather disruptions. In a recent update, Barchini announced that the Pé-de-Meia Universitário program is scheduled for implementation in 2027. This initiative is designed to support the retention of low-income students in public universities who are registered in the federal government’s CadÚnico social program. The proposed structure includes a monthly stipend of R$ 700 for ten months of the academic year, plus a monthly savings deposit of R$ 250. Students who successfully complete a four-year degree will be eligible to withdraw R$ 10,000, adjusted for inflation, to assist with their professional start. Furthermore, the Minister stated that the existing Pé-de-Meia program for high school students will be universalized by 2027, extending benefits to all public school students regardless of their CadÚnico status. Barchini noted this expansion addresses a shifting academic profile, as two-thirds of federal university students now come from public schools. Other priorities include the growth of full-time schooling programs. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-04: Brazil to launch Pé-de-Meia Universitário program in 2027 Brazil plans to launch the Pé-de-Meia Universitário program in 2027, providing monthly stipends and savings to low-income public university students to improve graduation rates. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-hosts-4th-brazilian-media-education-week ### 2026-10-19: Education Minister visits UFPB to inspect ongoing construction projects Education Minister Leonardo Barchini is visiting the Federal University of Paraíba to inspect various infrastructure and laboratory construction projects totaling several million Reais. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/education-minister-visits-ufpb-to-inspect-ongoing-construction-projects --- Cite as: Brazilian Ministry of Education strategic initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-ministry-of-education-strategic-initiatives