AS students across Jamaica prepared to return to classrooms for September, almost two dozen families began the new school year with a financial boost, thanks to Scotia Insurance.

Twenty-two outstanding students, representing Scotiabank branches islandwide, have each been awarded a Scotia Insurance Education Wealth Plan (EWP) Scholarship valued at $150,000 to help cover tuition and other school-related expenses.

The scholarship rewards eligible ScotiaMINT and ScotiaELEVATE policyholders who have consistently saved and maintained their pre-authorised payments.

The scholarship may be used to cover expenses at the secondary or tertiary level.

According to Debra Lopez-Spence, president, Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company, said the investment, which totals more than $3 million, underscores the bank’s continued commitment to education and community upliftment.

“At Scotiabank, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and building stronger communities. Each year, as we support students and their families at this important time, we are reminded of the role we play in helping Jamaicans achieve their goals and secure a brighter future.

“We are proud to once again stand with families during the back-to-school season, reaffirming our commitment to education and nation-building,” said Lopez-Spence.

In the meantime, Leah Barnett-Fraser, who has started reading for a Bachelor of Laws degree at The University of the West Indies, said she is a proud beneficiary of the Scotia Insurance EWP Scholarship Programme thanks to the discipline and consistency of her mother, a ScotiaMINT policyholder.

“I feel truly blessed and grateful to God and to Scotiabank for being selected as one of this year’s scholarship recipients. When I think about the odds, I know this is nothing short of a blessing,” said Barnett-Fraser who is this year’s awardee from the Constant Spring Financial Centre.

She shared that she is now a step closer to achieving her goal of becoming a family lawyer.

“The issue of domestic abuse in Jamaica, especially among women and children in underprivileged families, has always touched me deeply, and I want to make a difference in that space. The cost of tuition for law school is very high, so this scholarship is a meaningful step towards realising my dream,” added Barnett-Frazer.

The Scotia Insurance EWP Scholarship Programme has become a staple of the bank’s annual back-to-school initiatives, underscoring its longstanding support for youth development, financial empowerment, and community investment.

Renaldo Graham, Education Wealth Plan Scholarship awardee, accepts his cheque from Debra Lopez-Spence, director, Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company and regional head Insurance, North and Central Region, during the recent awards ceremony.