GRACEKENNEDY announced last week that applications for its Jamaican Birthright Programme for 2016 are now open.

The programme is intended to expose second and third generation Jamaicans in the UK, US and Canada to the island through music, social activities and professional tutelage through internships at GraceKennedy Limited.

“The programme this year was a huge success. Our 2015 Birthright interns had an unforgettable and rewarding experience,” said Executive Director of the GraceKennedy Foundation, Caroline Mahfood, who has oversight for the project.

“With the help of our partners Sandals, Digicel and the Jamaica Tourist Board, the interns not only experienced the professional aspect of Jamaica but also the rich cultural heritage, from cuisine to music, sports and more. They really got the chance to get up close and personal with Jamaica,” she continued.

The 2015 interns — Janae Bell, a freshman at Harvard University; Kira Starks, a graduate of the University of Baltimore; Jamila Turner Dell’Acqua, a graduate of the University of East London; and Ukpong Etang, a junior at Concordia University in Montreal — received an all-expense paid five-week trip to Jamaica to participate in the programme.

“I really developed a love and appreciation for Jamaica on this trip,” said Bell. “I was able to experience the life and culture as a resident rather than a tourist. The GK Birthright Programme is one I recommend all students of Jamaican heritage to take part in.”

The GraceKennedy Foundation is ensuring that they have that chance.

The programme is open to young people of Jamaican parentage or ‘grandparentage’ who are between 18 and 25 years who have not lived in Jamaica for more than six months and who are seeking an opportunity to learn and explore their Jamaican heritage. At the time of applying, they must be pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree and must have at least a ‘B’ average. “Applications will be accepted online from September 7 to November 30, after which four people — two from the United States, one from the United Kingdom and one from Canada — will be selected,” the company said in an e-mail.

“GraceKennedy Limited will host the four university students from July 2 to August 6, 2016, giving them hands-on experience in their chosen career fields,” it added.

Application forms are available online at www.gracekennedy.com.