The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation (BSF) is excited to open registration for the 2026 Student Success Skills Program, a powerful leadership and professional development series created to support Latino students as they grow academically and prepare for careers beyond graduation.

Right when I was about to give up, I had coffee with one incredible person: Francisco Sandoval. He took the time to get to know me, and what was supposed to be a conversation about shared ideas quickly became something much more meaningful.

When Lesly Sanchez found out that she was selected for a Barrientos Scholarship Foundation (BSF) internship in partnership with Lozafina this fall, she felt a mix of emotions: relief and excitement. 

Not many college students like myself get an early career opportunity like this to be a business student ambassador and marketing intern, she said.  

BSF began providing such opportunities for young people who showed potential in wanting to connect with their career fields and communities. 

The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation proudly wrapped up the 2025 Student Success Skill Program, a fall semester series designed to help students build the life, academic, and career skills they need to thrive. From September to November, scholars gathered at the UNO Community Engagement Center for four powerful workshops led by exceptional professionals who poured their time, expertise, and encouragement into our students.

We were honored to be joined by Dr. Armando de Alba Rosales of UNMC and Carissa Rainey of Dale Carnegie, whose expertise helped students explore the social skills that shape academic and career success. From cultural awareness to strong communication habits, students walked away with insights they can apply immediately in school, work, and daily interactions.

Nebraska high school seniors have a new opportunity to ease the cost of college through the “Do the FAFSA Nebraska” Scholarship, an initiative from the EducationQuest Foundation aimed at increasing FAFSA completion and expanding access to higher education.

The program will award 60 one-time $1,000 scholarships to students who complete the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit the required documentation.

The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation brought students together on Oct. 15 for a dynamic Health & Wellness Workshop at the UNO Community Engagement Center, featuring Dr. Hamza Haqqi, Ed.D., and motivational speaker Maggie Thorne. 

There’s something timeless and universal about the idea of “giving of yourself.” It’s not about money or material things. It’s about offering your time, your patience, and your energy to lift others up. In classrooms, in communities, and in our daily lives, the act of showing up for someone else creates ripple effects that reach far beyond a single moment.

For Lucia Venegas, one of the clearest ways she’s experienced this has been through tutoring.

On October 25, our very own Tony Aguilera will be recognized in the nonprofit category at The Bloc’s 50 Over 50 Nebraska Awards, a statewide celebration honoring those whose legacies are shaping the state’s future. The event will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Omaha, located at 555 S. 10th St. Tickets are available at 50Over50NE.com.

On August 13, the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation proudly joined the first-ever Nebraska Governor’s Youth Summit, a landmark event bringing together young leaders from across the state. This milestone was made possible through our partnership with CareerPathway, with whom we collaborated to create 27 additional scholarships this year, raising an impressive $140,000 for the 2025 school season.

The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation is thrilled to announce that our Somos One Part II Golf Fundraising Tournament raised $32,000. It’s our largest fundraising total of the year! Thanks to the incredible generosity of golfers, sponsors, and community supporters, this milestone ensures that more Latino students will have the resources and encouragement they need to achieve their dreams.

We believe in spotlighting the voices and journeys of Latino professionals who embody resilience, creativity, and leadership. In the latest episode of the Performance Parakone podcast, hosts Marcos Becerra and Suleyma Garcia welcome a guest whose story reflects all of that and more: Katherine Garcia, an interior designer in Omaha with a powerful journey from El Salvador to success in the corporate world.

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.