The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Foundation has paid the fees for 444 public secondary school students to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) industrial technology (electrical) examination in 2020.

The examination grant, in the sum of $1.618 million, will benefit students from 35 high schools.

President and chief executive officer of JPS Emanuel DaRosa said the grant is an investment in “the talent of our young people”.

“We are…preparing future leaders for the energy industry, who will no doubt help Jamaica to realise its great potential,” he said.

“JPS is making a fast transition into an innovation-focused organisation. This future requires change; it will demand our best effort and it needs our strongest talent. The provision of this grant is a critical step,” DaRosa added.

He was speaking Thrsday at the JPS head office, where the cheque was presented to representatives of the Overseas Examinations Commission.

The foundation has been paying the fees for students to sit the CSEC industrial technology (electrical) exam for the last three years, totalling over $4.5 million for 1,335 students over the period.

Minister with responsibility for education, youth and information, Karl Samuda, thanked the foundation for the effort.

“I’m very happy that the JPS has, in a sense, partnered with the ministry by providing this very worthwhile provision. Thanks very much for this effort. Thanks for all that you have been doing,” Minister Samuda said, noting that the support will help to alleviate the financial burden on families.

— JIS