SCHOLARSHIPS TO GO FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025 13 ONCE UNCERTAIN of his future, today, Christopher Dawes is charting a bold path forward fuelled by purpose and gratitude. A proud recipient of the Supreme Ventures Foundation 20th Anniversary Scholarship, he is transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into direction. Though initially drawn to politics or medicine, Dawes’ vision shifted in high school, inspired by educator Antoinette Foster and his former guidance counsellor, Simone Gibbs. Through their encouragement, he found meaning in the classroom and realised that education wasn’t just a career – it was his calling. He is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. Dawes is one of 20 recipients of the SVF 20th Anniversary Scholarship, a life-changing initiative launched in 2021 to support former wards of the State. Valued at approximately $4 million over four years, the scholarship – offered in partnership with the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) – provides full tuition, housing, meals, and miscellaneous support. The scholarship programme also provides life skills training, including driving lessons and obtaining a driver’s licence, financial literacy workshops, and a JMMB investment account with an initial deposit of J$10,000 to help scholars plan for long-term success. Since receiving the scholarship, Dawes has grown in confidence and focus. “The SVF Scholarship gave my confidence and self-belief an incredible boost. Being chosen among so many others reminded me that I truly belong in this space (and) that I have what it takes to succeed and make a meaningful impact,”he says. Dawes’journey is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and community. With deep gratitude, he acknowledges the many individuals who stood by him – the CPFSA, SVF, family, mentors, and friends. Their love and guidance helped shape him into the man he is today. With gratitude and purpose, he moves forward not just as a student, but as a mentor-in-the-making. His dream? To empower others the way he was empowered. Contributed Christopher Dawes (right), recipient of the SVF 20th Anniversary Scholarship, receives a commemorative token from Chloleen Daley-Muschett, AVP PR and Corporate Affairs at Supreme Ventures Foundation, during a 2024 empowerment session. SUPREME VENTURES FOUNDATION Turning challenges into purpose with the SVF 20th anniversary scholarship TERTIARY LEVEL SCHOLARSHIPS CHRISTOPHER DAWES GRACEKENNEDY SCHOLARSHIP TO THE EDNA MANLEY SCHOOL OF THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS Course of study: First Degree Eligibility/qualifications: Must be a Jamaican National. Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, recommended by the Director of School, currently enrolled in the college (2nd, 3rd, 4th year), involved in extra curricular activities, pursuing a career in either Dance, Music, Drama or Art. Amount awarded: $500,000 Number of awards offered: One Deadline for applications: Monday, June 30, 2025 Where tenable: Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts Application link: gkfoundation. eformsolutions.com Email: gkfoundation@gkco.com Telephone: 876-932-3541 GRACEKENNEDY FINAL YEAR SCHOLARSHIP (UWI & UTECH) Course of study: First Degree Eligibility/qualifications: Must be a Jamaican National. Pursuing final year studies at UWI/UTech. Based on academic performance, financial need, extra curricular activities and involvement in community service. Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Amount awarded: $150,000 Number of awards offered: Multiple Deadline for applications: Monday, June 30, 2025 Where tenable: The University of The West Indies or University of Technology, Jamaica Application link: gkfoundation. eformsolutions.com Email: gkfoundation@gkco.com Telephone: 876-932-3541 GRACEKENNEDY/JIEE FINAL YEAR SCHOLARSHIP Specialist Area of Study: Science/ Technology/ Engineering/Math (No Medical Sciences nor Actuarial Sciences) Course of study: Must be a Jamaican National. Pursuing final year studies at UWI/UTech. Based on academic performance, extra co-curricular activities and involvement in community service. Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Amount awarded: $500,000 Number of awards offered: One Deadline for applications: Monday, June 30, 2025 Where tenable: The University of The West Indies or University of Technology, Jamaica Application link: gkfoundation. eformsolutions.com Email: gkfoundation@gkco.com Telephone: 876-932-3541 JAMAICA ENERGY PARTNERS (JEP) GROUP SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility/Qualifications: Applicants must have lived in the parishes of Kingston & St Andrew (Region 1) or St Catherine (Region 6) for at least five years and currently reside within these areas. • Applicants must be 21 years or younger upon entry to the institution. • Academic Institution: Must be enrolled in a recognized/ accredited tertiary institution approved by the relevant governing bodies. • Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and/or financial need. • Recipients are required to be active in community outreach. Amount awarded: $250,000 per tertiary recipient Number of awards: 12 Deadline for applications: Friday, August 8, 2025 Website: https://www.jamenergy. com/ Contact: Melissa Newman Email: mnewman@jamenergy. com Telephone: 876-297-2530 JPS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP – EWP STEM TERTIARY GRANT FOR UTECH AND CASE STUDENTS Specialist Area of Study: STEM degree Eligibility/Qualifications: •Enrolled at the University of Technology (UTECH) or the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) • Pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Technology (UTech) OR pursuing a degree in a STEM subject at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) • Demonstrated high academic performance (e.g. having a 3.0 or above GPA, CXC, CAPE etc.) • Demonstrated engagement in extra-curricular and/or volunteer work • Demonstrated financial need Amount awarded: $500,000 Where Tenable: University of Technology (UTECH) or College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE)
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