THIRTY students from high schools across the island recently benefitted from participation in the third staging of Northern Caribbean University’s (NCU’s) Research Apprenticeship Programme (RAP).

RAP, which ran from July 9 to August 9, is a residential summer research programme, sponsored by NCU’s Office of Research and Grants, which aims to stimulate interest in careers in science and agriculture, business and social sciences, religion and politics.

Students remain on dorms throughout the programme and are required to participate in research in one of the academic disciplines offered at the university. The participants work along with selected NCU faculty members to complete assigned research activities, most of which are based off-campus.

Along with daily research, the students are taught by research experts and scientists who are brought in to give lectures on various research-based topics. The research that the students engage in range from areas in which outcome is tangible, such as soap and paper making, to areas where outcome will only be seen in the long term, such as the behavioural sciences.

According to Jennifer Bartley-Smith, administrative secretary, Office of Research and Grants, NCU, the programme helps to sensitise students at the secondary level about research methodology, procedures and application before they enter the tertiary level.

She added that this educational programme also has a fun side, as the students go on weekly tours.

Port Royal, Caribbean Maritime Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Bodles and the Meteorological Office are some of the sites which were visited by the students in this year’s programme.

The students have all given a favourable review of the programme; expressing great joy and appreciation of the opportunity they have been given. Kevin Williams, a lower-sixth form student at Glenmuir High School and 2006 top performer in the CXC examinations, stated that he found the research experience “quite enjoyable and very informative”.

Recent graduate of Westwood High School, Kimberlie Bailey, a participant sponsored by the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST), also shared her thoughts on the programme.

“RAP is very interesting and informative. You get the chance to go out and actually see science at work,” she said.

Director of Research and Grants at NCU, Dr Juliet Bailey-Penrod, said the programme also has long-term benefits, not only for the students, but also for Jamaica. She noted that Jamaica is lagging in several areas, not because of a lack of resources and capabilities, but due to underexposure of our people to research.

“This programme exposes our people and encourages them to get involved in research, because it is through research that development and progress will come to our nation,” she said.

Since 2005, NCU has been offering research experience to high school students with a 3.0 GPA or a B average, who are involved in extra-curricular activities. These students are sponsored by the Office of the Prime Minister, Scientific Research Council (SRC), NCST, Investment Management Limited (IML), among others.

Approximately 19 of the 30 participants in this year’s programme plan to become full-time students at NCU.