THE Sagicor Foundation has disbursed more than $13 million in new scholarships and grants to 114 students at the tertiary and secondary levels.

The foundation, which is the charitable arm of the financial conglomerate Sagicor Group Jamaica, returned with its face-to-face awards ceremony this year, after a two-year hiatus, hosting two ceremonies on Monday, August 29, 2022 at the Jamaica Pegasus — one for its tertiary and one for its secondary awardees.

The tertiary recipients, who are clients, children of Sagicor clients, and team members’ children, were chosen after a competitive application process in which more than 800 students applied. The shortlisted applicants who made it to the interview process were assessed based on academic performance, community involvement and volunteerism, strong leadership potential, and financial need.

Thirty students were awarded scholarships, valued at up to $300,000 for a maximum of four years for their first-degree programmes. In addition to the scholarships, 60 students were selected for grants valued at $60,000. These grants were a special initiative in honour of Jamaica 60.

The Sagicor Foundation scholarships are applicable for enrolment at The University of the West Indies; University of Technology, Jamaica; Northern Caribbean University; The Mico University College; Caribbean Maritime University; University of the Commonwealth Caribbean; and Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts.

During his welcome remarks at the tertiary awards ceremony, Christopher Zacca, president and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, urged the awardees to stay focused while being involved in university life. “It is now time to stay on top of your game and remain committed to producing quality and excellent work. In addition to your academics, become involved in your faculty’s programmes and initiatives, volunteer, join a social club, help your fellow students, and form long-lasting connections. It all contributes to the memories, bonds and experience you will leave university with,” he advised.

The secondary awards ceremony saw 21 primary level students who will be entering high school presented with scholarships valued at $50,000 annually for a maximum of five years. The recipients, who are also children of Sagicor clients and team members, were selected based on their Primary Exit Profile ranking.

Scholarships were also awarded to the two champion boys, who tied for the title, at the 2022 staging of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA)/Sagicor National Athletics Championships. A grant was also awarded to the champion girl of the meet, who is still attending the Rock Hall Primary School. She will be awarded a scholarship for her high school tenure once she graduates from primary school.