THE VM Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2022 to 2023 academic period. The VM Foundation Scholars programme, formerly the VM Foundation Head-Start Scholarship programme, will continue to offer financial support at the secondary and tertiary levels, with an increase in funding made available to tertiary level applicants from $300,000 to $450,000.

Samantha Charles, CEO of the VM Foundation, said the scholarship programme is driven by the foundation as its lead initiative to support young, bright Jamaicans who need the financial support to complete their studies and achieve their academic dreams.

“We are proud of the exceptional talents and abilities that exist in our Jamaican youth and with youth development as one of our focus areas, it is our commitment to always do what we can to help those who may be in need to achieve academic success,” she said.

Charles further noted that the increase was given out of a recognition of rising tuition costs and the importance of ensuring students are covered for most degree programmes.

A digital application management system has been developed to accept scholarships and can be accessed online at vmfoundationscholarships.myvmgroup.com. The application period closes July 8, 2022.

VM Foundation Scholars programme includes the VM Foundation Stem Scholarship, awarded to a student who will be starting tertiary education in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. One applicant will be awarded each year for a maximum of four years.

Students who will be starting tertiary education in the year of application at a local tertiary institution in any field can benefit from the VM Foundation Future Plan Scholarship. This has a maximum four-year tenure and is awarded to three students.

Meanwhile, the VM Foundation Master Plan Scholarship is a one-time scholarship offered to a student who will be starting the final year of an undergraduate or master’s degree programme.

Students who have excelled at the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) and will be starting high school are also able to apply for the VM Foundation Junior Plan Scholarship and PEP Bursary. The top-performing student in each county is selected for the VM Foundation Junior Plan Scholarship valued at $50,000 and top-performing students across all parishes will be chosen for a one-time PEP Bursary valued at $50,000.

Each scholarship awardee will also benefit from a mentorship programme that was established in 2021. Awardees will be paired with VM Group team members and they will receive support in setting life goals and overcoming personal challenges through consistent dialogue and engagement.

To date, the foundation has awarded close to 2,000 scholarships and bursaries.