The Central Reserve Bank (BCR) has granted scholarships to 10 final-year high school students who emerged victorious in a research competition. This event saw participation from over 183 graduating students representing all 14 departments of the country. The focus of this year’s contest was on the significance of remittances as a productive instrument.
The awardees were part of the 22nd Technical Research Contest for High School Graduates 2023, organized by the Central Reserve Bank. Among the 183 research projects submitted by students from 56 public and private educational institutions across the 14 departments, these ten individuals stood out. The remarkable number of submissions marks a record in the history of this competition, as reported by the institution.
“This day holds immense importance for BCR, as we welcome the future of El Salvador. Today, we have the opportunity to meet the talents of our nation and contribute to their ongoing development of potential, creativity, thirst for knowledge, innovation, and the ideas they applied in their research,” stated Douglas Rodríguez, President of the BCR.
Rodríguez further elaborated on the methodological significance of the youth’s proposals. These proposals delved into the role of remittances in the national economy, tracing their evolution from primarily consumption-oriented to investment in productive development.
“It is crucial to explore the ideas that you have developed in your research regarding measures and policies that contribute to harnessing these remittances or savings brought by returning Salvadorans. Believe me, these ideas will materialize in the medium and long term,” expressed Rodríguez.
The top prize was awarded to Anderson Mata from the Rufino Guevara National Institute in Agua Caliente, Chalatenango. Mata, who is set to study Software Engineering and Digital Business, expressed his excitement at the recognition.
“I feel an overwhelming sense of joy, knowing that the objective I dedicated so much effort to has been achieved. It’s an immense personal satisfaction,” said the young scholar.
Alejandra Cardona, who secured the third position, shared her sentiments about the research process and her scholarship that will facilitate her university studies.
“My motivation was the opportunity for a university scholarship, and secondly, to gain more knowledge about the topic and delve deeper into understanding remittances,” commented the future Business Administration student.
BCR announced that those who didn’t secure scholarships this time can apply for an additional 100 scholarships through the “Soy Becado BCR” program, which supports the education of over 5,000 students. This initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to nurturing the educational aspirations of the nation’s youth.