Colombian Businessman to Award Scholarship to Student With Top State Exam Score

In Colombia, the Saber 11 exam evaluates high school students' academic skills before they graduate. This standardized test, administered by the Colombian Institute for the Evaluation of Education (ICFES), covers critical reading, mathematics, social studies, citizenship, natural sciences, and English. The exam scores range from 0 to 500, with 500 being the highest possible score. On July 26, a 16-year-old student from Colegio Santo Angel de la Guarda in Cucuta, bordering Venezuela, achieved a perfect score of 500/500.

Matias Luengas Vergel learned of his result on Friday, September 25. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who also received the news, announced that an anonymous businessman would provide a university scholarship for Matias for the next five years. The scholarship will cover any university he chooses, allowing him to pursue his dream of studying mathematical engineering. This career choice aims to apply mathematical concepts to research, technology, innovation, and development, ultimately benefiting Colombia.

The businessman's identity was revealed to be Christian Daes, CEO of Tecnoglass. Tecnoglass, founded in 2005, is a company specializing in architectural glass and aluminum and vinyl products for the global commercial and residential construction industry. The Tecnoglass Foundation, established by the company, supports social development projects and programs, particularly in the company's regions of influence.