Girls receive 5 bonus points solely for female sex in ''Edukacyjny Maraton Kompetencji'' recruitment. This surpasses 3 points for disability certification. It also beats 3 points for psychological-pedagogical counseling. It exceeds 3 points for special education needs. Internet users label it discrimination against boys. Authorities claim it equalizes chances in girl-underrepresented areas. Regulations lack mention of girl underrepresentation. Program targets math, English, early education, biology skills. Gender criterion ranks below ties broken by disabilities first. Authorities cite school diagnosis and EU funds program. Oversight body found no irregularities in application. Project supplements but does not replace special needs actions. Recruitment prioritizes actual educational needs. Program also educates on preventing bias-motivated peer violence.