NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024 26 ESTABLISHED AS a core part of Sagicor Foundation’s commitment to community development and nation-building through education, the scholarship programme is designed to support academically talented but financially disadvantaged students across Jamaica. As the Sagicor Foundation strives to illuminate paths to higher education, it remains a pivotal platform for aspiring scholars determined to make a difference in the world. Whether in engineering, sciences, arts or humanities, the scholarship programme ensures that passionate learners can pursue their dream careers without the burden of financial constraints. Recipients receive not only tuition coverage but are also involved in community projects sponsored by the Sagicor Foundation, ensuring they gain vital skills and experiences to excel in their fields. Valued at up to $300,000 annually, tertiary scholarships are available to Jamaican students pursuing a first degree at the following schools: The University of the West Indies, University of Technology, The Mico University College, Northern Caribbean University, Caribbean Maritime University, and Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years. The criteria for selection are based on academic performance, community involvement, volunteerism, strong leadership potential and a demonstration of financial need. A grade point average of 3.0 and 40 hours of voluntary service with the Sagicor Foundation are mandatory for scholarship renewals. Applicants or their parent/legal guardian must be a Sagicor client to apply. Children of Sagicor clients and Sagicor team members at the secondary level can also access scholarships valued at $50,000 annually, renewable up to five years. The scholarship is open to students who sit the national Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination in the current year of the scholarship. The scholarship is renewable once students maintain an average of 80 per cent or higher. The Sagicor Foundation Scholarship programme is dedicated to empowering young Jamaicans on their journey to success through meaningful financial support, serving as a beacon of hope for those striving to achieve their full potential. Applications for the secondary scholarship are submitted through the policyholders’ respective insurance agent, broker, or their employer’s HR department. For the tertiary scholarship, applications are completed online at sagicorfoundationscholarships. com. The application period began on May 13 and will end on June 7. Q. Why did you apply for a Sagicor Foundation Scholarship? A. I applied to the Sagicor Foundation Scholarship because there was no certainty that my college tuition would have been paid and I did not want my mother, or myself, to be burdened with finding money to cover it. Two of my main worries were that it is very difficult to find employment while in university and repaying student loans might have been stressful. Q. What was the application process like for you? A. Since the application was done through an online portal, the process was smooth and straightforward. There weren’t any complex questions or unnecessary documents required. The interview felt friendly and the panellists paid keen attention to the contents of my application and showed great interest in me. Thus, any anxiety I had quickly went away. Q. Describe the feeling you had when you found out you were awarded, who did you tell first? A. When I first found out I was awarded, I felt extremely emotional. I read the email in front of my mom, and she screamed for joy. The feeling of making her proud was incredible and I felt like my life goals started falling into place. Some of my other family members were around so there was a wave of happiness. Q. What role has the scholarship played in your academic journey? A. The scholarship has been monumental in relieving me of the stress of paying tuition. It has allowed me to focus on completing my studies with a strong GPA, as opposed to struggling to find other avenues to fund my education. Q. What is your favourite thing about being a Sagicor scholar? A. I love volunteering at Sagicor Foundation sponsored events. It’s always fun to connect with other scholars and have new experiences, while contributing to social development. Q. Would you recommend this scholarship to anyone else, and why? A. Absolutely. I would recommend the scholarship to anyone who needs to finance their tertiary education. Not only does it provide much-needed tuition assistance, but you’re able to meet new ambitious individuals and participate in a wide range of activities as a volunteer. Sagicor Foundation scholarship programme: empowering the lives of future leaders SAGICOR FOUNDATION Sagicor Group Jamaica CEO Christopher Zacca congratulates four of the 43 recipients of the Sagicor Foundation Scholarship at the awards ceremony held at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. The others, from second left, are:, Reneka Reid from Fullerswood Primary School, Obrian Clarke, who is bound for Calabar High School, a smiling Sunjai Kirkpatrick from St Aloysius Primary, Jevaughney Findlay of St Jago High, while the Ministry of Education’s deputy chief education officer Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle looks on. IAN ALLEN/PHOTOGRAPHER Kimani Nugent, 21, earns prestigious scholarship from Sagicor Foundation for dual major at UWI Mona: Banking & Finance, Economics” Kimani Nugent SCHOLARSHIPS TO GO FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
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