MORE than 100 tertiary students from across Jamaica responded to the D&G Foundation’s call for applications for its inaugural Book Grant Programme, sharing stories of academic ambition, financial hardship, and a determination to complete their education despite difficult circumstances.

Ten students were ultimately selected to receive grants of $150,000 each, representing a $1.5-million investment by the foundation in helping young Jamaicans continue their tertiary education.

The recipients were recognised at a handover luncheon at Red Stripe, where their academic achievements, resilience, and contributions to their schools and communities were celebrated.

Selection was based on three key areas: strong academic performance, demonstrated financial need, and meaningful involvement in school or community activities. Applicants were required to be enrolled at an accredited tertiary institution and have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or its equivalent.

For the judging panel, however, the selection process quickly became about the lives and experiences behind the applications.

They read stories of students who had lost parents, young people growing up in single-parent households, families stretching limited resources among several children, and students whose circumstances had been made even more difficult by the impact of Hurricane Melissa last October.

Across many of the applications, the same pattern emerged: Students were maintaining strong academic performance while volunteering, leading and finding ways to support others.

Dianne Ashton-Smith, director of the D&G Foundation, said the stories left a lasting impression on the panel.

“Those of us who sat on the judging panel were deeply moved. We kept coming back to the same thought: These young people are doing so much with so little,” Ashton-Smith said.

“There were so many students we wanted to help, and selecting just 10 from more than 100 applications was incredibly difficult,” added Ashton-Smith.

She said what stood out was the determination of students to keep moving towards their goals, even when financial and personal circumstances made the journey considerably harder.

D&G Foundation book grant recipient Zari-Ann Forbes (left) engages in conversation with Red Stripe Managing Director Holly Bostock during the handover ceremony, reflecting on the opportunity ahead and the journey that brought her to this point.

The Book Grant Programme was designed to ease some of that pressure by helping with the practical costs of tertiary education, including textbooks, academic resources, and other materials required to complete their studies.

“There are moments in a young person’s journey when the right support at the right time can make an extraordinary difference.

“These students have already demonstrated the discipline, resilience and ambition to create a future for themselves. Our role is to say: ‘We see you, we believe in what you are working towards, and we are willing to invest in helping you get there.’ Sometimes knowing that someone believes you can make it is powerful in itself,” Ashton-Smith said.

Among the recipients was Jordan Forrester, who was recently accepted to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at The University of the West Indies (The UWI). His mother, Nicole Bliss, said the award came at a time when the family needed the encouragement.

“This grant gave more hope than anything else. The financial struggle is real. Being a mom and figuring it out alone is hard. The email came and it not only made our day, but it showed us that it’s possible to make it through,” Bliss said.

Fellow recipient Zari-Ann Forbes, a student at the Western Jamaica Campus of The UWI who is pursuing a degree in tourism management, reflected on the determination shared by the students selected.

“We all have a bright future despite our challenges. I’m proud of everyone and how far we’ve come,” Forbes said.

Ashton-Smith urged the recipients to see their achievement as the beginning of a responsibility they may one day be able to extend to another young person.

“Remember how this moment feels. Remember what it feels like when someone sees your need, believes in your potential, and chooses to help. And when your circumstances change, when you have finished your degree, built your career, and are in a position to help, remember this feeling. Turn around and do for someone else what someone has done for you. That is how the seed we plant today continues to grow,” said Ashton-Smith.

That spirit of giving back is already evident among several of the recipients, many of whom have continued to volunteer, mentor younger students, and serve their communities while pursuing their own studies.

The Book Grant Programme forms part of the D&G Foundation’s continued investment in education and opportunities that help young Jamaicans build sustainable futures for themselves, their families and their communities.