Some 64 families will be changed for the better this year courtesy of Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) Group’s Scholarship Programme.

Customarily, JEP would award 10 students residing in St Catherine and Kingston with educational assistance. However, considering Jamaica’s 60th year of Independence, the group interviewed some 60 candidates out of 140 students and selected 20 to receive tertiary scholarships and grants.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education & Youth was responsible for selecting 44 students based on their academic performance and location.

To celebrate our almost $25-million investment in the nation’s youth JEP opted for a memorable and fun day of activities, instead of the traditional awards ceremony.

The hallmark of the day was to encourage the youngster to continue achieving greatness through hard work, perseverance, teamwork, and mentorship.

Four 16-member teams were created — Natural Energy (green), Lucozade Energy (orange), Unlimited Energy (blue), and Energy Blazers (yellow).

After a series of events, including tug-o-war, maths race, bun eating and soda drinking contests, Lucozade Energy was named the top team with 149 points and walked away with a trophy and medals.

Students also received back-to-school supplies and gifts.

The island’s leading private power-producing group — which includes Jamaica Energy Partners, West Kingston Power Partners, and Jamaica Private Power Company — JEP is committed to increasing youth access to quality education.

For almost three decades, it has helped to transform the lives of nearly 2,000 primary and secondary students.

“We believe that by advancing the minds and skill sets of Jamaica’s youth, especially those who reside in volatile areas, positive economic, social, and sustainable growth is inevitable. The students surrounding our operations possess great potential but often lack access to the opportunities that will allow them to attain higher education. I am, therefore, delighted to… remain true to our annual commitment,” JEP Group President & CEO Wayne McKenzie shared.

The 20 tertiary students received scholarships and grants valuing $250,000 and $180,000.00, respectively, while PEP achievers obtained $35,000 to assist with tuition, books, and other educational materials.

Students are expected to maintain a B+ average/3.0 grade point average to remain in the programme for the duration of study.