16 students receive J$7.2 million worth of scholarships
16 Aug 2024
Kingston, Jamaica – August 16, 2024: Sixteen of Jamaica’s brightest and most determined students recently received J$7.2M in scholarships during N.C.B. Foundation’s awards ceremony at the AC Marriott Hotel, Kingston.
The boys shone at this year’s award ceremony, with ten young men set to receive scholarships to fuel their academic ambitions. Paul Brown was awarded the Dr Rickert Allen Memorial Scholarship valued at J$600K annually to pursue a BSc. in Networking with Cyber Security at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC). Meanwhile, two other stand-out recipients John-Ross Crooks from Kingston and Joshua Newsome from St. Elizabeth each received J$700K annually for the entire duration of their studies as they emerged as the National Champions. This total comprises J$400K from the regular award and an additional J$300K for their exceptional achievement as National Champions. John-Ross will be able to pursue a BSc. Software Engineering (Gaming), and Joshua Newsome a BSc. Electrical and Computer Engineering at University of Technology (UTECH).
For these students, the scholarships are the key to enabling their unstoppable potential. John-Ross, one of the National Champions, shared his excitement: “This is a dream come true. Receiving this award makes me feel like anything is possible. While I’m excited to pursue my degree in software engineering, my ambitions go beyond personal success. I’m passionate about youth development and using my skills to inspire and uplift others. This scholarship brings me one step closer to making a positive impact on my community and beyond.”
John-Ross’s vision of using his success to uplift his community aligns perfectly with the mission of N.C.B. Foundation. Chair Thalia Lyn urged all the recipients to continue building on their sense of purpose. “I see young people here today who already possess a deep sense of purpose—even if you don’t fully realise it yet,” Lyn, remarked “You’ve worked hard to be here because you know you need this scholarship to get to school. But don’t stop here – let your purpose grow with you, guide you and carry you through life. It will lead you to great success, in ways you might not even imagine right now.”
State Minister, Honourable Marsha Smith from the Ministry of Education and Youth also commended N.C.B. Foundation for their commitment to Jamaica’s future. She highlighted how the Foundation’s efforts are in line UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly goal 4 which focuses on to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. “N.C.B. Foundation is not just supporting education – they are actively shaping Jamaica’s future by giving students the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams,” said State Minister Smith.
The impact of N.C.B. Foundation’s work resonates deeply with the families of the scholarship recipients. Mitzie Edwards, mother of Jaedon Beckford who received a J$400K annual scholarship for the duration of his studies, expressed her heartfelt gratitude. The Clarendon resident shared how her brother, who was an NCB Scholar recipient many years ago, encouraged her son to apply. "I’m so glad Jaedon listened to his uncle and applied," she said. "The support from N.C.B. Foundation is invaluable, lifting a tremendous burden from our shoulders. I am incredibly proud of my son and deeply thankful to N.C.B. Foundation because education truly opens doors."
The Milestone Moments scholarship awards ceremony marked N.C.B. Foundation’s ‘Sweet 16’ anniversary – a celebration of sixteen years of transformative impact in education. In honour of this occasion, Michael Lee-Chin, Chairman of NCB Financial Group Limited, announced the exclusive Michael Lee-Chin Community Grant of J$1.6 million. This grant offers this year’s scholarship recipients the opportunity to collaborate on a community initiative. With this Lee-Chin spurs the scholars’ ability to do well and do good – his own philosophy of caring and reciprocating success exemplified through ‘prosperitas cum caritate’.
Along with the scholarships awarded, N.C.B. Foundation has allocated overall a total of J$43 million for this year’s Scholarships and Grants programme—a 10% increase from last year. This funding will support scholarship renewals, new scholarships, tertiary grants, and book grants for primary and secondary students.
Since 2008, N.C.B. Foundation has provided critical financial support to students across Jamaica, fostering academic and professional growth that aligns with our nation’s evolving needs. N.C.B. Foundation has invested over J$1 billion in education, impacting over 13,500 students. Annually, 1% of the profits of NCB Financial Group is used to fund the work of N.C.B. Foundation.
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Formalised in 2003, N.C.B. Foundation has since invested over J$2 billion in various programmes and strategic initiatives geared at education and community development across Jamaica, Haiti, St. Vincent and Barbados. N.C.B. Foundation pursues its mandate of expanding Jamaica’s pool of digital producers, through the development and cultivation of future-fit digital talent and skills. While it supports numerous projects and initiatives throughout the year, its annual Grant a Wish and Scholarship and Grants programmes are highly anticipated and celebrated for their positive impact on the individuals, institutions and communities involved.
For further information, visit www.myncb.com/Corporate-Social-Responsibility
