Anniversary Scholarship Submissions Open July 2

The Prime Minister’s legacy project, the Jamaica 50th Anniversary Scholarship and Merit Awards programme, will be open for submissions on July 2, for undergraduate and post-graduate students who intend to pursue studies in areas considered to be of strategic importance.

The Prime Minister’s legacy project, the Jamaica 50th Anniversary Scholarship and Merit Awards programme, will be open for submissions on July 2, for undergraduate and post-graduate students who intend to pursue studies in areas considered to be of strategic importance.

“The $205 million programme announced by Mrs. Simpson Miller in her budget presentation has a specific thrust to support Jamaica’s future by investing in young people,” Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, outlined on June 27, at the Jamaica House press briefing, at the Office of the Prime Minister.

“This programme aims to develop outstanding scholars and exemplary leaders who will contribute to Jamaica’s sustainable national development over the next 50 years,” she said.

Financial awards will be presented to 50 students across the island, who have demonstrated academic excellence and who are in need of financial help.

There are three categories of scholarships – 20 GSAT 2012 students; 20 undergraduate students; and 10 post-graduate students, who commence full time studies in September. Additionally, 20 merit awards will be given to GSAT students, based on academic achievements.

Students interested in the tertiary level scholarships must be entering a degree programme in September 2012 in the disciplines of: government and public administration; economics; science and technology; maritime studies; energy; earth science and environment studies; economics and social development; tourism; ICT; cultural studies; urban planning; visual and performing arts; jurisprudence; medicine and agriculture.

“The scholarships are tenable at local publicly funded universities, and overseas options will only be considered if the courses are not available in Jamaica,” Senator Falconer noted.  A component of the programme encourages students to participate in an exchange programme which offers opportunities for students to complete credits and or conduct field research overseas.

Upon completing their studies, awardees will be bonded to work in the public service for a maximum of five years.

The programme is being funded by the PetroCaribe Fund, managed by the Ministry of Finance, and chaired by Financial Secretary, Dr. Wesley Hughes.

Nominations close on July 31. Application forms can be downloaded from the websites of: the Ministry of Education; the University of Technology; the University of the West Indies; and the Office of the Prime Minister.

By Alphea Saunders, JIS Senior Reporter