Drs Ann Joseph and Elombe Calvert are both headed to top US schools this fall to begin their graduate studies.

The two are alumni of the Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (PALAS) programme.

Joseph will commence studies for the master in public health (MPH) at the Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, while Calvert will be doing a postgraduate degree in biomedical informatics at the Boston-based Harvard Medical School.

Since being founded over a decade ago by Ruel “Rula” Brown, the PALAS programme, has provided over $70 million in financial assistance to hundreds of Jamaican students at both the secondary and tertiary levels.

PALAS identifies students with exception academic and leadership potential but who, because of their circumstances, require financial support to complete their studies. Over the years it has solidified its reputation as a supporter of youth development in Jamaica.

Patrick Campbell, chairman of PALAS, says he remains proud that the programme has been able to aid the development of the minds of young Jamaicans in such a structured way.

Calvert is excited about this new opportunity adding that, “I would definitely encourage every and anyone to donate to PALAS. PALAS helped me to achieve my dream…”

Joseph echoed his sentiments, as she commended the PALAS programme for securing the nation;’s future through the youth.

Among other PALAS alum to pursue postgraduate studies at the international level are Dr Sachalee Campbell (MPH, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health), Dr Nicole Nation (MPH, University of Sheffield), and Shereese Graham, (LLM International Financial Law, University of Manchester).

PALAS alumni have combined their collective efforts and formed the PALAS Alumni Legacy Fund, which is dedicated to offering mentorship to current PALAS recipients.

If you would like to donate to the programme, visit https://palas1.org/

– Dr Nicole Nation