THE City of Kingston Co-operative Credit Union (COK) will this year offer 13 scholarships valued at $165,000 to its members and children of staff members.

The scholarships, named in honour of two of COK’s founders -Paul Chavannes, and Albert “Bertie” Morris, have been offered since 1987.

Valued at $75,000, the Paul Chavannes scholarship is tenable at the University of the West Indies, University of Technology, Northern Caribbean University and the University College of the Caribbean. To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must have been a member of COK for at least two years, or the child of a member of COK.

The candidate is also required to have completed at least one year of a full-time or two years of a part-time programme in Management Studies at any of the Universities.

COK offers 12 scholarships annually in honour of Albert “Bertie” Morris to children between the ages of six and 10 at the Primary School level, and 6 children between the ages of 11 and at the Secondary School level

Valued at $15,000 each, the scholarships cover books, uniforms, fees and other school-related expenses. Children who have been successful in the GSAT exams automatically qualify for consideration, but high school applicants are required to write an essay on the advantages of saving with a credit union.

Paul Chavannes was COK’s first manager and marketing manager, while “Bertie” Morris is currently Vice President of the Board of COK.

As sponsors of St Peter Claver Primary, COK also gives annual grants to top performers at that school. At a prize giving ceremony held last month, 12 students were given grants valued at $2,500 each for outstanding performance in all subject areas.

The staff of COK are also custodians of the Margaret Rodgers Foundation. Funds are raised by staff annually to cover the cost of educating two needy students at the Primary School level.