SCHOLARSHIPS TO GO FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025 4 THE SAGICOR Foundation Scholarship has been a transformative force, helping hundreds of young Jamaicans with their educational pursuits. In 2024 alone, 173 students at the secondary and tertiary levels came closer to completing their studies because of this support. The programme, however, goes beyond the millions of dollars spent, as it places great emphasis on volunteerism, leadership and innovation. In keeping with those core values, two new awards were introduced in 2024, the R. Danny Williams Visionary Award and the Chairman’s Innovation Award. This holistic approach helps to nurture the potential of the recipients beyond their academics, making them ready to enact positive change in their communities and, by extension, Jamaica, Land We Love. Each year, the awardees show great tenacity despite their various circumstances. Shenielle Gayle, the 2024 Sagicor Foundation Scholar is one example. She was the inaugural recipient of the Chairman’s Innovation Award. This recognises a tertiary scholar Contributed President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, Christopher Zacca (left), who is also chairman of Sagicor Foundation Jamaica, presenting the first-ever Chairman’s Innovation award to 2024 Scholar Shenielle Gayle at the June 2024 awards ceremony. BUILDING JAMAICA’S FUTURE: Sagicor Foundation empowers students through scholarships who has demonstrated creativity and originality in developing new ideas, processes, or products, particularly those that leverage technology to drive positive change. Despite losing her sight at age 16, Gayle turned adversity into a journey of resilience. Not only has she developed a transcription application for the deaf and blind community, but she has chronicled her journey via YouTube, serving as a means of inspiration for so many. She reminded us that with a positive mindset and hard work, we dare not limit our dreams. Applications are now open. The 2025 scholarship application portal has been open since May 1. Persons have until May 30 to apply for a chance to secure support of up to J$300,000 per year for tertiary students and J$50,000 per annum for secondary students. For more information, visit our website at https://sagicorfoundationscholarships.com/.
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