KINGSTON, Jamaica — In line with its vision to advance the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, the Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded over $13 million in scholarships to university students pursuing ICT degrees.

As part of the fund’s mandate, it has established the Tertiary Scholarship Programme which aims to support students who have successfully completed the Technology Advancement Programme – Cohort III and are facing financial constraints in pursuing their undergraduate degrees.

Nine students from the University of West Indies, Mona (UWI), University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), and University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) will receive financial assistance for the duration of their programmes.

At the signing ceremony on Monday, August 26, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the USF, Andrew McRae, passionately articulated the significance of this initiative.

“These scholarships are not just financial support—they are a powerful endorsement of your potential to lead and revolutionise the ICT landscape,” McRae declared.

Reflecting on his own academic journey, McRae encouraged recipients to “seize this opportunity, work relentlessly, and let your brilliance shine”.

Echoing this sentiment, USF’s Corporate Planner Nepatra Bennett emphasised the value of this opportunity.

“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Bennett remarked. “Many aspire for such a scholarship but cannot attain it. You now have the opportunity to enhance Jamaica’s ICT landscape through this educational opportunity.”

Meanwhile, scholarship recipients expressed profound gratitude and excitement.

Twenty-seven-year-old Kemon Menzie, shared, “Receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honour. It’s an opportunity I am eager to maximise.”

Twenty-eight-old Ashleigh Allwood expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am incredibly grateful and excited about this new journey. I am committed to maintaining over a 3.0 GPA [grade-point average] and graduating with first-class honours.”

Likewise, 29-year-old Jeoray Watson, who had previously paused his studies due to unforeseen challenges, said, “This scholarship feels like a second chance. I am deeply honoured and appreciative.”

All three will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science at UTech.