AIM Higher Foundation empowers youth to unleash their potential
Published:Monday | May 7, 2018 | 12:00 AMKeisha Hill/ Senior Gleaner Writer
Young people desirous of pursuing tertiary studies both locally and overseas are being given the opportunity to realise their full potential irrespective of their socio-economic background through the AIM Higher Foundation.
The objectives of the AIM Higher Foundation is to empower high-potential, low-income students to access tertiary education through partnerships with universities, foundations, non-government organisations, corporations, college counselling professionals, and individuals who can provide assistance and support for these students.
According to Nicole McLaren Campbell, founder and head of AIM Educational Services, the support the students receive is not only academic, but also includes leadership develop-ment, community service and internship opportunities, innovation and entre-preneurship training, college and test prep services, and ongoing mentorship.
The foundation has helped students to access over $100 million in scholarships to attend universities, including Amherst College, Howard University and Lafayette College.
"This year, we are working with students headed to both the University of the West Indies, Mona (School of Medicine), and Lafayette College in the United States. Our scholar headed to Lafayette College has earned a scholarship of just over US$300,000," Campbell said.
POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION
"Our young people need a chance, and it is incumbent on everyone to use the resources that we have to empower our young people so that they can make positive contributions to Jamaica," she added.
Floyd Green, minister of state in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, in endorsing the foundation's objectives, said he was particularly pleased that the organisation will identify and empower students from low-income households to access tertiary education through scholarships.
"Traditionally, many scholar-ships go to high-performing students, but who may already have greater access to funding through their family support system to pursue their education. We applaud the AIM Higher Foundation for this initiative, and we expect Jamaica to reap great benefits from this investment in our education sector," Green said.