Launched in 2025 with joint support from the VélezReyes+ and Lemann Foundations, Trajetórias Institute was created to democratize access to top-tier international master’s programs for promising Brazilian talent. The initiative sets out to support over 5,000 fellows by 2035, fostering international exchange, knowledge-sharing, and global networks to accelerate Brazil’s social and economic development.

A study conducted by the Institute and co-authored with economist Pedro Nery found that 30,000 Brazilians pursued graduate degrees overseas in 2022, a figure with the potential to scale to 52,000 when measured against peer developing nations. To broaden this access, the Institute structured a model based on government partnerships, agreements with international universities, and complementary philanthropic funding.

Existing commitments already secure over 540 master’s scholarships over the next five years, with application processes for the inaugural 2026 class setting implementation into motion.