MORE than 1,000 students have entered the new school year with renewed confidence, thanks to Excelerate Energy’s flagship back-to-school initiative.

This programme, designed to support high-potential students from families with limited resources in Clarendon; Old Harbour, St Catherine; and St James, provides critical financial assistance, school supplies, and bursaries to empower the next generation of leaders.

Excelerate’s back-to-school programme, originally launched in 2016, has become a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to education and youth development.

This year, the programme continued to make a positive impact across the parishes, with Excelerate collaborating with Food For the Poor Jamaica, one of its long-standing community allies, to coordinate logistics, manage vendor relations, and source essential school supplies, ensuring students were well equipped for the academic year.

As part of the initiative, students received financial aid worth $10,000 each, along with backpacks, notebooks and other supplies.

More than 60 PEP and upper-school students were awarded bursaries valued at $25,000 and $50,000, respectively, to help cover tuition and examination fees.

Additionally, nearly 200 students from the Refinery Council communities in Hayes, Clarendon, were able to complete their medical examination ahead of the new academic year.

“We are honoured to be part of these students’ journeys. By investing in education, we support individual growth and contribute to the development of our communities and nation. This initiative is just one of the many ways we continue to help build a brighter future for Jamaica’s youth and play our part in the country’s economic development,” said Verona Carter, vice-president and general manager, Caribbean, Excelerate Energy.

Since its launch almost a decade ago, Excelerate Energy’s back-to-school programme has benefited more than 15,000 students, providing more than $250 million in financial aid, bursaries, and school supplies. This support is a testament to Excelerate’s commitment to ensuring that, despite financial challenges, these bright young minds have the resources and confidence to excel in their studies and contribute to the development of their communities and Jamaica at large.

Parents, students and school administrators across the three parishes have expressed their appreciation for Excelerate Energy’s timely and impactful support.

“This initiative has had a profound impact on our students. It’s more than just financial aid; it’s about giving students the tools to succeed in school and beyond. We are truly grateful to Excelerate Energy for making such a difference,” said Denzil Dickson, guidance counsellor and academic advisor at Herbert Morrison Technical High School.

In the meantime Yvette Phillips, a parent from Clarendon, whose daughter attends Central High School and received a $50,000 community bursary, added her voice to those welcoming the initiative.

“The bursary will help us cover tuition and other expenses. It has lifted a huge burden off our shoulders, giving us peace of mind without the constant worry of financial strain. We are incredibly thankful to Excelerate for making this opportunity possible,” said Phillips.

Her daughter Gabrielle Bogle was also thrilled at receiving the bursary.

“I’m so grateful for the support from Excelerate. The bursary has made a big difference in helping me stay focused on my studies without worrying about financial challenges. It means a lot to me and my family,” said Bogle.

Meanwhile, Food For the Poor Jamaica expressed its pride in the collaboration.

“We’ve worked with Excelerate on several initiatives since the pandemic, including their annual food hamper programme for PATH families. Expanding our partnership to support this back-to-school initiative is a natural extension of our work. At Food For the Poor, we believe in empowering families and creating opportunities for growth. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on the lives of students and their families,” said Susan Moore, partnership and development director at Food For the Poor.