The Secondary Education Institute (IES) Río Gállego in Zaragoza has been awarded the prestigious National Prize for Excellence in Guidance, standing out in the category of «Linking Subjects with Professional Fields.» This recognition, presented by the Bertelsmann Foundation and the Anaya Group, highlights the innovative initiative of the center in connecting education with the labor market.
Recognition of IES Río Gállego and its Innovative Project
The award was presented on February 27, 2026, in Madrid, during the third edition of these awards that celebrate the best practices in academic and professional guidance in Spain. The project of IES Río Gállego, titled «Academic-Professional Guidance at IES Río Gállego,» focuses on providing students with a deep understanding of professional options, facilitating their transition into the labor market.
The institute has implemented a series of strategic actions that include talks given by alumni, guided tours of the center’s workshops, and a marketplace of elective subjects. These activities aim for students to experience first-hand the educational and professional opportunities available, promoting personalized and effective guidance.
Xcelence Aragón Program: A Quality Framework in Guidance
IES Río Gállego is one of 39 educational centers participating in the Xcelence Aragón program, a collaboration between the Education Department of the Government of Aragón, the Bertelsmann Foundation, and the Ibercaja Foundation. Launched in the 2023-24 academic year, this program aims to improve educational guidance in secondary schools by establishing a quality framework to guide students in their academic and professional development.
The Xcelence Aragón program focuses on integrating guidance into the school curriculum, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to make informed decisions about their educational and career futures. This initiative is key to preparing young people for the challenges of today’s labor market.
Positive Impact and Results of the Project
The impact of the project from IES Río Gállego is evident in the increase in enrollment in vocational training cycles within the center during the 2025-26 academic year. This growth reflects that students are making more informed and confident decisions about their professional futures. The center emphasizes that the improvement in the quality and quantity of guidance activities has been fundamental in preparing students to make decisions about their academic and professional trajectories.
In conclusion, the recognition of IES Río Gállego highlights the importance of well-structured academic and professional guidance, which not only guides students on their educational path but also prepares them to successfully face the labor market.
