UAPA students' AI platform aims to combat school dropout

Students from the Universidad Abierta para Adultos (UAPA) have developed an innovative educational platform called "Aula Digital" that utilizes artificial intelligence to combat school dropout rates in the Dominican Republic. The project secured third place and a 400,000 peso prize at the National Entrepreneurship Competition 2026, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT).

The "Aula Digital" platform is designed as an educational ecosystem for public and private schools, providing tools for students, teachers, and administrative staff. Its core feature is a monitoring center that employs AI to identify early signs of students at risk of leaving their studies. This system analyzes student behavior metrics, such as login frequency, assignment submission, and overall participation.

Edgar David Rodríguez Castillo, the project's technical developer, explained that the platform's AI identifies at-risk students, allowing educational institutions to intervene proactively. "The intention is that educational centers do not have to wait for a student to drop out to intervene, but rather that they can act preventively," he stated.

Beyond early detection, the platform facilitates direct contact with students, schedules tutoring sessions, and sends communications to parents, guardians, or counselors based on identified needs. A key differentiator is its 24-hour AI virtual tutor, designed to provide immediate support and answers to students, further enhancing engagement and preventing disengagement from their education.

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The intention is that educational centers do not have to wait for a student to drop out to intervene, but rather that they can act preventively.