New Fortress Energy (NFE) Foundation continues to pave the way for engineering/STEM education at the tertiary level by providing full scholarships for 56 students who are completing their first degree in an engineering or STEM discipline at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), and the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech).

Now in its seventh consecutive year, the New Fortress Energy Foundation engineering/STEM scholarship programme targets top-performing students at The UWI, CMU, and CMU who are unable to fund their education. Students are required to have a GPA of 3.0 and above as well as display strong leadership qualities and a spirit of community volunteerism.

Since the inception of the programme, New Fortress has invested more than $72 million in tertiary engineering/STEM scholarships. This year, the scholarships range in value from US$3,500 up to US$10,000 to cover full tuition payment, depending on the area of study and the level of each student’s financial needs.

Speaking at the handover ceremony recently at The UWI Regional Headquarters in St Andrew, Fayval Williams, the minister of education, said, “It always brings a great sense of joy seeing companies such as New Fortress Energy dedicating their time, effort and funds to help students further their education, and in particular, to those who are performing exceptionally well, but are facing economic challenges.”

“Increased access to STEM education at the tertiary level is a fundamental focus area for the Ministry of Education and Youth, and New Fortress Energy clearly shares this vision. STEM has a direct link to improved GDP and is no doubt an engine of growth for Jamaica. The ministry is therefore building four STEM universities and we will be making further announcements on these soon. In this regard, we welcome NFE’s continued investment and commitment to provide well-needed scholarships for these up-and-coming engineers and scientists, who will be integral in the socio-economic development of our country,” added Williams.

Professor Marvin Reid, acting deputy principal, The UWI, speaking on behalf of the university’s recipients, said that “for students who face economic challenges, scholarships are an essential ingredient in being able to self-actualise and reach their fullest potential, and The UWI indeed thanks New Fortress Energy Foundation for this significant investment in these students and in Jamaica’s STEM development”.

Echoing similar sentiments, Dr Kevin Brown, president of UTech, added, “UTech is appreciative of the active role that NFE continues to play in developing engineering students at the university, which no doubt is helping to change the trajectory of their lives. My personal charge to each recipient is that when you are successful, remember to give back to others in need, and invest in someone else’s future just like NFE is investing in your future.”

Professor Andrew Spencer, president at CMU, said, “This scholarship programme is indeed good business for Jamaica. This is going to transform our nation by advancing access to STEM education for young, brilliant minds in Jamaica.”

He charged the students with ensuring that, “in all you do, remember to give back to others in need and continue to be ambassadors who are worthy of this valuable investment that is being made in their education and in their future”.

Meanwhile, Verona Carter, vice-president, New Fortress Energy, encouraged the students to continue to stay focused and go after their dreams. “Congratulations to all our recipients. You are all superstars with a bright and successful future ahead. We are just so grateful to be sharing in your incredibly inspiring journey. Keep shining your light with your eyes on the prize.”

Speaking of the impact of the scholarship programme to date, Carter said, “It is very rewarding for us to track and witness the success of the students from the moment they receive the scholarship to when they graduate and start working. It was a proud moment when a student greeted me recently and reminded me that he was among our first batch of scholarship recipients, seven years ago. He is now a product analyst at the major energy company in Jamaica. We also had the privilege of having another one of our scholarship recipients, who is now a medical doctor and was able to help the nation during the COVID pandemic. In addition, we currently have six of our past scholarship recipients who are now full-time employees working in our LNG facilities across Jamaica. This is evidence that our investment is making a positive impact on nation-building and on Jamaica’s GDP, which is something our founder and chairman, Wes Edens, is very passionate about. We are therefore thrilled to be able to continue to give back to Jamaica in such a meaningful way.”

In addition to tertiary scholarships, New Fortress Energy Foundation continues to make a significant impact in education at all levels in Jamaica. Last year, as part of its annual back-to-school initiative, more than 2,500 primary, secondary and tertiary students benefited from much-needed financial aid, bursaries and school supplies valued at over $22 million.