Belize Bank Empowers 15 Scholars with Mentorship and Opportunity

Fifteen bright young minds are one step closer to their dreams, thanks to a major boost from Belize Bank. Out of a competitive pool of one hundred and seventy-five applicants, these standout students have been awarded full scholarships to continue their education at the high school and sixth form levels. But the support doesn’t stop at tuition, it’s about mentorship, support, and building Belize’s future leaders. Filipo Alario of Belize Bank says it best: education has the power to transform lives and build stronger communities. Tanya Arceo has the story.

 

Tanya Arceo, Reporting

Fifteen students are now Belize Bank scholars, and they’ve got more than just financial support behind them. At the bank’s thirteenth annual scholarship ceremony, ten high schoolers and five sixth form students were awarded full scholarships from a pool of one hundred and seventy-five applicants. One standout student made history by earning the scholarship at both levels. Each student is paired with a mentor from the bank, offering guidance and support beyond the classroom. Executive Chairman Filipo Alario reminded the scholars that success today takes more than good grades, it takes curiosity, adaptability, and digital smarts.

 

Filipo Alario, Executive Chairman, Belize Bank

“The technologies of tomorrow are here today, and guess what? You’re going to be part of the next generation that is going to drive that technology. So I urge you to be curious, stay adaptable, embrace the unfamiliar, whether you’re studying business, engineering, medicine or arts. You need to make sure you know how technology touches everything. For me, I started many years ago and I continue to learn every single day and I find that I need to continue to learn faster, and faster and faster to keep up.”

 

Minister of State Ramon Cervantes, applauded Belize Bank’s long-standing commitment to student development. He reminded the scholarship recipients that their achievement is not only a celebration of personal potential, but a call to embrace responsibility, stay rooted in their values, and use education to uplift others and build a stronger Belize.

 

Ramon Cervantes, Minister of State, Ministry of Education

“And this year they’re awarding ten high school scholarships and five for sixth form and you continue to demonstrate that access to education must never be determined by circumstances alone but instead, education is the primary tool to transform adverse circumstances into opportunities for success. Your consistent investment in our students shows the true meaning of corporate social responsibility. You are not just building a business, but you are also helping to build a nation.”

 

CEO Alario outlined how the scholarship recipients are chosen, noting that selection is based on both academic excellence and financial need. He emphasized that each application is carefully reviewed, ensuring that the program continues to uplift students who show promise and perseverance.

 

Filipo Alario

“So the criteria to get into the scholarship program anybody can apply, its really a mix of academic and merit so we try to have the bright students and push them through the next level and also those who actually need it, we have a committee in the bank that looks at all the applications it is a very, very difficult job, just to select a small number we had over a hundred and eighty applications this year”

 

Joshua Smith, a scholarship recipient from Orange Walk, expressed his excitement and gratitude. He shared what receiving the scholarship means to him and how it motivates him to work even harder toward his goals.

 

Joshua Smith, Scholarship Recipient

“I’m going to Muffles College and I feel excited to be one of the chosen recipients because its only a chosen few and I am glad to be a part of that chosen few.”

 

Belize Bank is doubling down on its commitment to education. As fifteen new scholars begin their journey, the bank is already planning to expand, with a sharper focus on sixth form students who often get left behind. Beyond the books, it’s about building leaders. Tanya Arceo for News Five.