Our Story: The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation

ABOUT

The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Omaha, Nebraska.

Our primary goal is to help reduce the financial burden for students who have demonstrated strong academic aptitude, service to others, high character (via letters of recommendation), and personal ambition. As rising cost of higher education continues to be a major obstacle for many students, we reward students for their achievements by helping reduce their individuals financial burden. 

In Spring 2023, BSF reached a tremendous milestone - awarding $287,000 in scholarships to Latino high school and college students from the Greater Omaha area, since its founding in 2005. 

Purpose

Marcos Mora, founder and Executive Director of the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, is a third generation resident of Omaha, Nebraska. Marcos' grandfather immigrated to Nebraska from Mexico in the 1920's creating the rich history of the Barrientos family.

Marcos Mora, Founder

Marcos realized the importance of continuing his education and of the need to make sacrifices and overcome the obstacles that he would encounter along the way. After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and beginning pursuit of a graduate degree, Marcos founded the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation as a means to "pay it forward" to students currently pursuing higher education, formally recognize the value of the mentorship he received from Dr. James Ramirez, and to pay homage to his cultural heritage.

Marcos has assembled a Board of Directors that share in that passion. (If you share in that passion and would like to be considered for a position on our Board, please contact us.)

Fiscal Responsibility

Our leadership team is committed to being good stewards of the funds we raise. First and foremost, we strive to make a positive impact by investing (via scholarships/financial aid) in the future leaders of our community. Why do we do it? Because we are all passionate about the value of higher education. We are able to operate with very low overhead expenses, primarily due to the voluntary contribution of time and professional services provided by our Board of Directors.

  • Our organization is operated by an all-volunteer board of directors.

  • The majority of our revenues are used toward scholarship endeavors.

  • Less than 5% of our receipts are used for ongoing operating expenses.