Sagicor Foundation awards 73 scholarships

Sagicor Foundation has selected 73 exceptional secondary and tertiary students for scholarships to help with offsetting back-to-school expenses as they gear up for the new school year.

Following a robust application process (from April to June), the successful candidates, who are from all across the island, were selected from over 1,000 applications received.

With scholarships offered to students at the secondary and tertiary levels, the foundation is to disburse $8.4 million in new scholarships for the 2018-19 academic year.

The scholarships were awarded to children of Sagicor clients, Sagicor team members, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) employees as well as the 2018 Champion Boy and Girl from the Jamaica Teachers'' Association/​Sagicor National Athletics Championship.

Twenty-five tertiary students are to receive up to $250,000 towards tuition payment for up to four years. Twenty-two Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) awardees will get a $50,000 renewable scholarship for five years; while 25 children of JDF service members and civilian workers will receive grants valued at $40,000 each for one academic year.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Simone Walker, executive director for the Sagicor Foundation, noted that the tertiary scholars are selected based on their need, academic performance and community involvement; while the GSAT scholars are awarded based on merit.

"The Sagicor Foundation believes in these students and we know they will excel in their various fields of study. When we saw some of the realities these students face on a daily basis, we were amazed to see how well they perform in school, while showing leadership characteristics. We could not help but render our support and do our part in ensuring these students accomplish their dreams," Walker said.

She said the panel who aided in the selection of the scholars was also impressed with the awardees' volunteerism and willingness to participate in community activities.

The scholars and their parents will celebrate and revel in their accomplishment at an awards ceremony scheduled for August 23 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in St Andrew.