A bacan future for Colombia’s youth 

educated individuals build empowered communities

A bacan future for Colombia’s youth 

educated individuals build empowered communities

About us

About us

About us

bacan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic opportunity. 


Over 40% of youth in Colombia between the ages of 17-28 do not have the resources to complete basic education, thus perpetuating cycles of poverty, informal labor, and preventing youth from being active participants in their communities’ development. 


Our work focuses on equipping talented students with the education, transferable skills, and connecting them to job opportunities to build stable futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Our Roots

Our Roots

bacan Academy was created to give back to the communities that shaped the origins of bacan Guaro and its founders. Our work is founded on the belief that education has the power to:

  • Break intergenerational cycles of poverty

  • Expand access to professional opportunities

  • Foster leadership and entrepreneurship

  • Support sustainable economic development

Our Mission

To expand educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people in Colombia through scholarships, mentorship, technical training, and strategic partnerships that create lasting social impact.

Our Vision

To build transformative partnerships that empower new generations of technical professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders capable of driving sustainable development and economic mobility in their regions.

Join the Mission

Give the gift of a brighter future

Our Partners

Our Partners

Strategic Funding + Local Implementation

bacan Academy
Fundación La Cayena
Scholarship funding and financial resources
Identifying high-potential students
Strategic direction and program design
Providing psychosocial and academic support
International mentorship networks
Coordinating with educational institutions
Monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting
Monitoring student progress and wellbeing

This partnership ensures resources are used effectively while maintaining deep community connection and accountability.

Learn more: Fundación La Cayena

Program Structure

Our scholarship initiative supports technical and professional education for talented students facing socioeconomic barriers. The program includes:

  • Tuition coverage
  • Living allowance
  • Leadership development and mentorship
  • Career pathway guidance
  • Academic monitoring and retention support

Scholarship Breakdown

Tuition Coverage
55.10%
Transportation Allowance
22.45%
Living Allowance
22.45%

Cohorts focus on technical degrees including business administration, finance, accounting, and commercial strategy to increase employability and income stability.


Student Selection

20%35%35%10%
Academic Merit
Commitment & Life Project
Vulnerability & Permanence
FLC Alignment

Our structure prioritizes assessing vulnerability and permanence as well as alignment with our mission and commitment to the program, with academic excellence as a secondary selection criteria so as to minimize barriers such as learning disabilities and socioeconomic factors affecting their performance at the time of applying.


Scholar Commitments

Scholarship recipients agree to regular wellbeing check-ins, quarterly academic report reviews, and participation in social contribution activities in their communities.

Scholar Commitments

Securing Success

>85%
Retention Rate
Avoiding dropout through comprehensive support and accompaniment
>80%
Selection Efficacy
Scholars who successfully pass the second trimester
>80%
Academic Performance
Scholars with a GPA equal to or above 3.0
>75%
Graduation Rate
Successful completion of the full funded education cycle
>70%
Employment Rate
Graduates with formal employment or entrepreneurship within 12 months
>35%
Salary Increase
Increase vs. average income of a high school graduate without technical training

Be a Part of Something Bacan

Your support directly funds scholarships, student support services, and program expansion. Each contribution opens a door to a brighter future.

Gift a Brighter Future

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