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. As they dive into the importance of community support and educational opportunities for Latino students in Nebraska, Tony shares his inspiring journey and the pivotal role BSF plays in empowering first-generation college students. Tony discusses his experiences in mentoring youth and building career pathways, emphasizing the significance of internships and mentorships in navigating the workforce. He reflects on the challenges he faced while pursuing higher education and how those experiences shape his vision for the future of BSF. Marcos and Suleyma explore the foundation's growth, including its expansion into trades and the introduction of the Student Success Skills Program, designed to equip students with essential life skills and career readiness. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the scholarship application process, which opens on March 1st and closes on March 31st, as well as the importance of community partnerships in creating opportunities for students. Join us as we celebrate the power of perseverance, mentorship, and the transformative impact of education. You can go to the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation website to apply: https://www.barrientosscholarship.org/apply-now List of scholarships: BSF, In Honor of Ella and Vidal Barrientos, Arts/Education - $6,000 CHI Health, Healthcare - $1,000 Cinco de Mayo Omaha, Communications, Journalism, Marketing - $4,000 Clarkson College, Healthcare - $2,500 Geena Gomez, Masters in Education/Special Education - $5,000 JE Dunn, Construction Mgt. at UNK, UNL, or UNO - $5,000 Lozafina, General - $1,000 MagicTouch/Eddie Sandoval, Nursing - $2,500 MagicTouch, Business - $2,500 Methodist College, Healthcare - $2,500 Nebraska Furniture Mart, Business/Communications - $3,000 Metro Community College Only BSF/MCC, Any - $5,000 CHI Health/MCC, Healthcare - $5,000 JE Dunn/MCC, Trades - $5,000 MagicTouch/MCC, Trades - $5,000 Omaha Public Power District (OPPD)/MCC, Trades - $5,000 This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices