PrepaTec students win international competition with health app

PrepaTec Metepec students have stood out on an international level by winning the Advances Social Justice and Equity Award of the Jacobs Teen Innovation Challenge, an international competition organized by the University of San Diego in the United States.

Through their project, entitled “Rolling Towards Menstrual Equity,” Cristina Barrera, Santiago Velasco, Regina Díaz, and Kikey Pulido crafted an innovative idea to combat period poverty under the guidance of their teacher Itzel Rodríguez Pacheco.

The team was involved at all stages of the project, from generating the idea, developing the business plan, and designing the prototype to coding a mobile application that became the center of their proposal.

This project combines an educational app about menstruation with a mobile unit that distributes menstrual products and offers health services in strategic locations, thereby reducing inequality and promoting social equity.

The PrepaTec Metepec team stood out for their creativity, social impact, and innovative approach in the competition, which was attended by more than 4,700 students from 32 countries.

According to the team, this achievement means that Mexico is setting an example for social initiatives led by new generations.

Professor Itzel Rodríguez Pacheco expressed the pride she feels about her students’ work.

“This project is the result of months of effort, creativity, and teamwork. It’s inspiring to see them transform an idea into something tangible and so impactful.

“It’s an example of how young people can lead important social changes and shows how Mexico has a lot to contribute to the world,” she said.

“It’s inspiring to see them transform an idea into something tangible and so impactful.”  - Itzel Rodríguez

Quality healthcare for women and girls

Kikey Pulido, a member of the team, shared her enthusiasm for having participated.

“It was a huge satisfaction and, truly, I felt very grateful. We’ve been working for weeks and even beyond the award; knowing that we’re tackling a social problem as serious as period poverty really fulfills us,” she said.

In addition to the award, the students received 500 dollars, which they decided to donate in full to Equality Now, an international feminist organization that fights for women and girls’ human rights.

“Winning the award was not only reward for our effort and work but also represents progress toward the recognition of the right quality of life and health for all people who menstruate.

“Furthermore, for me, it means contributing to our society and actively participating in the construction of aconscious and informed society,” said Cristina Barrera, a member of the team.

Finally, Santiago Velasco wanted to encourage more young people to join this type of initiative.

“Don’t miss out on an opportunity like this: it’s a great experience; it’ll require work and dedication, but all important things require that at the end of the day.

“This project opened my eyes to the problems that exist in the world on a daily basis, and I think it’s a good way to do our part,” he concluded.

The call for applications for the Jacobs Teen Innovation Challenge 2025 is currently open and PrepaTec schools nationwide are looking for their next participants.

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