Pocket Rocket Foundation Scholarship application now open; closes August 19

The Pocket Rocket Foundation has announced that the application period for its 2024-2025 scholarship programme is now open.

The scholarship aimed at supporting young Jamaican student-athletes in their academic and athletic pursuits opened on July 11 and will be accepting applications up to August 19 via the Foundation’s website at pocketrocketfoundation.org.

“Through this scholarship programme we want to recognise student-athletes, across any sporting discipline, who are excelling in both their academic and athletic pursuits. It is important for us at the Foundation to provide opportunities for student-athletes that help to advance their participation in sport and contribute to their educational development,” said Dr Jermaine McCalpin, executive director, Pocket Rocket Foundation.

The scholarship is open to Jamaican high school student-athletes who play any sport and represent their school. Since its inception in 2013, the Pocket Rocket Foundation has awarded scholarships to 73 high school student-athletes, from 25 high schools across the island. Scholars range from various sporting disciplines to include Track & Field, Volleyball, Squash, Cricket, Swimming, Water Polo, Basketball, Football, Netball, Table Tennis, Field Hockey, and Lacrosse.

Founded by Olympic Champion and Ambassador, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the Pocket Rocket Foundation scholarship covers expenses such as tuition, books, travel, and lunch and is renewable each year for the duration of the recipient’s high school tenure, provided they maintain regular school attendance, represent their school in at least one sporting activity, and uphold high academic and behavioural standards.

“We understand the challenges that student-athletes face in balancing their academic and athletic commitments. Our scholarship aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens, allowing them to focus on their goals and achieve success in both arenas,” McCalpin noted.

Fraser-Pryce shared that she is excited and looking forward to the outcome of the application process and meeting the new scholars.

“It’s been such an incredibly rewarding experience to see our scholars thrive and make meaningful contributions to society, and I can’t wait to see how our new cohort of scholars maximise the opportunity,” Fraser-Pryce said.