Joan Duncan Foundation to offer $1.7m in new scholarships

In response to the continued financial challenges being faced by students especially at the tertiary level, the Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) Joan Duncan Foundation intends to award up to J$1.75 million in new scholarships in the new academic year. The foundation has committed a total of $7 million towards funding scholarships over the period.

The foundation revealed that it is proud of the fact that a portion of this year's new scholarship allocation will support programmes in the creative arts at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts; and journalism at Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) with the later representing the second award of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation Scholarship for Journalism.

Kim Mair, chief executive officer of the foundation, said these areas continue to be underserved although they play a critical role in society by preserving our culture and heritage.

"The foundation has made an effort to lend its support to these areas over the years, while maintaining its mandate - to positively impact the lives of others and transform the country through education and youth development," Mair said.

In addition to the new scholarships to be awarded by the foundation, it will continue to support its scholarship recipients who have maintained the required academic standard.

"Scholarships are intended to assist students primarily at the tertiary level, although financial assistance is also given to students at the primary and secondary level, on a case-by-case basis. Recipients should be financially challenged and well-rounded, demonstrating high academic performance, as evidenced by at least a 'B' average, involvement in extracurricular activities or voluntary work done in their schools/communities," Mair said.

REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE

Mair indicated that interested individuals who have met the criteria are invited to provide the necessary documentation including a letter detailing their request for assistance, ensuring that contact details are stated, proof of financial need supported by the educational institution and most recent school grades. This year's scholarship application period runs until May 31.

In addition to the financial assistance provided, recipients of the scholarship are invited to attend transformational training.

"We are interested in providing holistic development of our scholarship recipients so, in addition to providing financial assistance, the foundation has organised the transformational training session to assist our recipients to realise their full potential and live in an extraordinary way, by transforming their mindset," Mair said.