The BECA Bachillerato Program Scholarship, created by BECA alumnae Hilary Hammell and Bridget Kelly, is awarded each year to two outstanding graduating students, one from SJBS and one from SMBS. The scholarship provides the student with the means to earn a diploma from a bilingual high school – an extremely valuable commodity in Honduras.

The BBP is an extension of BECA’s overall model of increasing access to education for all members of the community. The BBP takes into account not only financial need but also academic achievement and motivation. We hope to inspire all of our students to strive for academic excellence.

WHY IS THE BBP IMPORTANT?

Bilingual Hondurans are virtually guaranteed jobs that pay twice as much as their non-English speaking counterparts, if not more. With this scholarship, students who may not have the financial means to continue their education are able to obtain a degree (equivalent to a college degree in the United States) to become eligible for professional, career track jobs.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must have an 85 average or above in their core subjects of Math, Science, English, Global Studies, Spanish, Civics, and Social Studies. They must also complete an application process that includes essays, a parent application, and teacher recommendations. A financial needs assessment is performed during a home visit by a BECA representative and the recipient is selected by an impartial committee of experts chosen by BECA.