The Betancourt Scholarship Fund
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Empowering the leaders of tomorrow through the pursuit of a college degree
About
Earning a Bachelor's degree consistently remains the ultimate vehicle to receive a well-rounded education and increase earning potential. Approximately 24% of Americans obtain a Bachelor's degree.
As first generation college graduates*, we have experienced first-hand the challenges that come with attending college and choosing a career. We had many questions on day 1...
1) Which major should I select and how does that translate into a career?
2) I excelled academically in High School, how do I continue to do so in my college classes?
3) How do I finance tuition? Should I accept / apply for loans?
4) What is the purpose of an internship and should I apply for one?
5) How do I help my family while being focused on school?
6) How will I balance part-time work with classes?
7) Should I get involved in clubs?
8) I did not get accepted into my dream college, should I transfer?
9) What does a life after graduating look like?
10) What compensation should I expect in post-graduate roles?
...which our families and communities did not have the answers to.
Our lack of knowledge drove us to online research and seeking mentors and organizations, such as INROADS. These avenues allowed us to persevere and ultimately graduate from college and secure post-graduate careers.
We value what we have been able to accomplish with a college degree and are passionate about paying it forward. We want to help high potential students achieve college success and guide them in selecting a major and preliminary career path.
- Jefferson & Melanie Betancourt
*Neither parent has obtained a college degree
Who We Are
Founder
Jefferson Betancourt, born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and raised in Orlando, Florida, graduated from Colonial High School in 2007. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Florida (UF), majoring in Finance and minoring in Real Estate. During his time at UF, Jefferson was actively involved in organizations such as INROADS and Alpha Kappa Psi, where he honed his leadership and networking skills.
Following his undergraduate studies, Jefferson embarked on a successful career in commercial banking. He progressed from a Commercial Banking Credit Analyst to Vice President, holding leadership roles at prominent financial institutions, including BB&T, TD Bank, Bank of America, and Credit Suisse. While advancing in his career, Jefferson furthered his education, obtaining a Master’s in Accounting from the University of Connecticut in 2018. His ambition for growth led him to pursue an MBA at Cornell SC Johnson College of Business in 2019, where he transitioned into Investment Banking. After completing his MBA, he joined Credit Suisse as an Investment Banking Associate in the Financial Sponsors Group in New York City, gaining valuable experience in capital markets and advisory services.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Jefferson has dedicated considerable time to community service. He has volunteered with esteemed organizations such as INROADS, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, and The Posse Foundation, demonstrating a strong commitment to mentorship and youth development.
Currently, Jefferson is Vice President at SchoolWise Partners in Miami, Florida, where he advises owners of early education institutions on the sale of their businesses. He provides strategic guidance throughout the transaction process, helping clients assess market opportunities and maximize the value of their businesses. With his strong background in finance and investment banking, Jefferson plays a key role in ensuring successful transitions for business owners in the education sector.
Founder
Director
Melanie Tarabay-Betancourt moved to the United States in 2006 from Berlin, Germany, where she was born to a Lebanese father and a German mother. After graduating from Western High School in South Florida in 2008, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience & Behavior from Florida Atlantic University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Melanie was actively involved in scientific research and gained practical experience by volunteering and shadowing healthcare professionals to prepare for a future in medicine.
After completing her bachelor’s degree, Melanie pursued a Master’s in Medical Sciences at Nova Southeastern University, graduating with Honors in 2017. This advanced degree allowed her to work as a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) specializing in Dermatology in South Florida. Her time as a PA provided her with valuable hands-on medical experience and insight into the healthcare industry.
Driven by her desire to expand her impact beyond clinical practice, Melanie decided to pursue an MBA at Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, where she honed her business acumen and strategic thinking.
Currently, Melanie is a Senior Strategy Consultant at Accenture in Miami.
Henry Tijerino, born in Miami and raised in Orlando, FL, was brought up by his mother and older sister. His mother emigrated from Nicaragua to the U.S. at 16, and Henry spent his childhood summers in Nicaragua, connecting deeply with his roots. He graduated from Colonial High School in 2016 and, after becoming a father, took a year off before becoming the first in his family to earn a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance, finishing in the top 10% of his class at UCF. While at UCF, Henry was active as a College of Business Ambassador and served as Vice President of Relations for Beta Alpha Psi.
Henry launched his career in corporate finance at Citi Bank, where he works as a Senior Analyst on the Strategy and Finance team, leading forecasting, financial analysis, and business structure efforts. He also earned his Master's in Finance from Florida International University, graduating in the top 5% of his class.
Outside of work, Henry is deeply involved in his son's education and activities, coaching sports teams and giving back to his community. He plans to apply to business school this year, with the goal of transitioning into investment banking to leverage his academic and professional experience.
Colonial High School is a public high school located in Orlando, Florida, and is part of the Orange County Public Schools district, serving students from grades 9 through 12. Established in 1958, Colonial High School currently enrolls around 3,442 students. Here's a quick breakdown of the student population by grade:
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9th grade: ~918 students
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10th grade: ~937 students
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11th grade: ~836 students
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12th grade: ~751 students
The school offers a variety of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-focused pathways. It is known for its diverse student body, with the majority of students identifying as Hispanic (around 76.6%). Colonial High also provides extracurricular opportunities in sports, music, and clubs, fostering both academic and personal growth.
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Graduation rate: 84%, below the national average, indicating challenges in meeting educational standards.
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College readiness: Only 18.3% of students are college-ready, reflecting limited preparation for higher education.
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Student demographics: Approximately 70% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, showcasing significant economic disadvantage.
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Math and reading proficiency: 31% in math and 39% in reading, both below national expectations.
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Student-teacher ratio: 22:1, which is higher than optimal, impacting personalized learning.
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Advanced coursework: Low participation in AP and advanced classes, which limits students’ college competitiveness.