SEVERAL students at the University of Technology (UTech) will have their tuition expenses paid this school year as a result of a $4-million grant from the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd (JPS).

The light and power company recently handed over the funds to the university as part of an ongoing partnership with the institution.

Recognising the financial challenges faced by many students, JPS has stipulated that the university should dedicate 75 per cent of the funds to assisting needy students. The rest will be for ongoing expenses related to the operation of the power laboratories used by students pursuing Bachelor’s degrees and diplomas in electrical or mechanical engineering.

The JPS-sponsored power labs were renovated and equipped at a cost of $9 million in 2009.

The recent $4-million grant brings JPS’ contribution to the university in the last five years to over $20 million. Commenting on the long-standing partnership with UTech, JPS’ VP Customer Operations Ricardo Rennalls, noted that JPS as well as other employers benefit from the training being provided to the UTech students.

“It is very possible that we will be employing some of these students after they graduate. For us at JPS, it’s an investment in Jamaica’s future — everybody benefits,” he said.

President of UTech Professor Errol Morrison, in expressing his appreciation, noted that the relationship between the two organisations has been long and fruitful and will serve to enhance the development of young Jamaican students.

JPS also provides assistance to the other major Jamaican universities on an ongoing basis, as well as to educational institutions islandwide.