As Katelyn Fryzek walked down the hallway to her dorm room a year ago, fear and worry consumed her. Fear of not making any friends. Fear of my classes being too hard. Fear of living on my own and missing my parents. Change can be scary, and going to college is a huge change. However, this fear is a shared experience felt by many incoming freshmen, and along with fear, there is excitement and wonderful new experiences. Read how she overcame her fears. 

At first glance, it looks like any other golf tournament: neatly trimmed fairways, the sound of golf balls driving into the distance, and a community gathered for a day on the greens. But behind each swing at the 15th Annual Barrientos Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament lies something far more powerful than a good scorecard.

It’s about investing in futures.

The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation celebrates leaders who not only break barriers but also inspire the next generation of Latino professionals to do the same. That’s why we’re thrilled to highlight a recent episode of the Performance Parakone podcast, featuring none other than Rita Rodriguez, a true force for community empowerment.

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 19, 2025, and meet us at Tregaron Golf Course in Bellevue, Nebraska, for the 2025 “Somos One Part II” Golf Fundraiser. This year’s goal? To raise $50,000 to continue empowering Nebraska’s Latino youth through education and career opportunities.

This is a celebration of community, unity, and the impact we can create when we work together. Whether you’re an avid golfer, a business leader, or someone who simply believes in education as a path to opportunity, your participation makes a difference.

We’re proud to announce that the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation has been invited to participate in the 2025 Governor’s Youth Summit, taking place on August 14 in Kearney, Nebraska.

Hosted by Governor Jim Pillen in partnership with Casey Belitz of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, this statewide summit brings together young leaders, educators, workforce innovators, and change-making organizations all with one goal: to retain and grow top talent right here in Nebraska.

To our Students, Families, and Community Partners,

The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation was built on the values of family, education, working hard, opportunity, and unity — SOMOS ONE. These values feel especially important now, as many in our Latino community are experiencing fear, uncertainty, and disruption following recent ICE enforcement actions in Omaha.

At the heart of the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation (BSF) is a deep commitment to recognizing and uplifting the people who make our mission possible. As we reflect on the incredible success of the recent Viva Business Luncheon and the awarding of $74,500 in scholarships, we are filled with gratitude for every student, family, partner, and friend who helped bring this vision to life.

The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation (BSF), a long-standing advocate for Latino students, proudly announces the presentation of its 2025 scholarships at the Viva Business Luncheon on May 29 at Metropolitan Community College’s South Omaha campus. The event not only celebrates the academic promise of Latino youth but also honors the community leaders whose dedication has shaped the region.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news! The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Futuro Latino Fund through the Omaha Community Foundation.

There are so many ways that parents can support us in college. I’d like to unpack some of those in this blog, as many of you might be in need of such support. Here are a few ways I’ve asked my parents for support throughout my college journey that might be useful for you. 

There are so many ways that parents can support us in college. I’d like to unpack some of those in this blog, as many of you might be in need of such support. Here are a few ways I’ve asked my parents for support throughout my college journey that might be useful for you

The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation and its career partner JE Dunn Construction recently visited Omaha Bryan High School to engage with students in its construction program, ignite their passion for the industry, and equip them with the tools and insights necessary to lead in Nebraska’s construction landscape.

From filling out your FAFSA and applying for the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation to exploring college websites and connecting with counselors, Alexa Gonzalez Munoz shares practical steps to help you secure the support you need. Start here, and take confident steps toward funding your future!

We’re asking you to do one more push to reach those who may have missed the original deadline — there’s still time! These scholarships are for the 2025–2026 academic year, and students can apply online now at www.barrientosscholarship.org.

In this episode of the Performance Parakone podcast, hosts Marcos Becerra and Suleyma Garcia sit down with Tony Aguilera, the president of the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation (BSF) board. Tony shares his inspiring journey and the pivotal role BSF plays in empowering first-generation college students.

On Feb. 24, Clarkson College marked a momentous occasion with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovation of Howard Hall. This was made possible through the generosity of Robert S. Howard and his family.

The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation is thrilled to announce that its scholarship application process has been upgraded!

In this milestone 10th episode of Performance Parakone, Marcos and Suleyma celebrate with special guests Tally Velasco and Michelle Vega from Lozafina Marketing. As partners of the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, Tally and Michelle share their insights on the importance of community engagement and the role their Latina-owned marketing firm plays in uplifting diverse voices in Omaha.

BSF’s partner, Streck Labs, is offering a range of exciting internship and assistant positions for Summer 2025 that could be the perfect launchpad for your career.

Kyle J. Kinstler is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in business operations, leadership, and customer service. A retired Army National Guard veteran, he brings a disciplined, goal-oriented approach to every role.