KINGSTON, Jamaica — Over 100 students from western Jamaica have been assisted with just under $10 million for back-to-school expenses through the Usain Bolt Foundation (UBF).

The students, all of whom were impacted by Hurricane Melissa, are recent Primary Exit Profile (PEP) candidates, entering secondary schools.

The students from the parishes of Trelawny, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, who were successful in their PEP Exams, will receive assistance with school fees and other expenses for the full 2026/27 academic year.

Chairman of the UBF Winsome Wilkins reiterated that the mandate of the foundation is the creation of a legacy of happy children by enhancing character through educational and cultural development, and inspiring youth to live their dream.

The UBF will donate the sum of $1 million to each of the selected schools.

The schools selected as partners with the foundation are: St Elizabeth Technical High School (STEHS) and Maggotty High School in St Elizabeth; Godfrey Stewart High School and Petersfield High School in Westmoreland; Green Island High School and Merlene Ottey High School in Hanover; Green Pond High School and Maldon High School in St James.

The schools, through their guidance counsellors, will identify the most needy students to receive the assistance.

In Trelawny, all 17 students from Dr Usain Bolt’s Alma Mater, Waldensia Primary School, who passed their PEP exams will each receive grants of $100,000.

For his part, Dr Usain Bolt said that he was happy to be in a position to meaningfully touch the lives of all the students, especially given the impact of the Hurricane.