UC Rusal Alumina Jamaica Ltd/WINDALCO invested $32.5 million in its educational programme in the lead-up to the new school year, which started on Monday.

In a media release the company said it recently awarded scholarships and grants to 97 students.

Of that number, 78 scholarships were awarded to full-time students pursuing higher education at local colleges and universities across Jamaica.

Additionally, 19 students who were successful in the recent sitting of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams also received scholarships and book grants.

WINDALO representatives (from left) Community Relations Administrator Winston Watson; Employee and Community Relations Manager Lanceroy Morris; Port Manager Art Banton; and Senior Information & Public Affairs Officer Monique Grange with PEP scholarship awardees. 

The company also hosted back-to-school fairs in St Catherine and St Ann, where more than 1,000 students benefited from free medical checks and received more than $1 million in book vouchers and other back to school supplies.

Seventy-three university students also benefited from paid internships as part of the company’s Summer Employment Programme.

Speaking at the scholarship awards ceremony held recently WINDALCO’s Employee and Community Relations Manager Lanceroy Morris noted that its educational programme was not only designed to ease the financial strain on the students and their families, but was developed to ensure a better future for the communities in which the scholars reside.

“For decades, WINDALCO has maintained this programme because we believe in building better communities, particularly through education. We will continue this thrust as educational upliftment gives the youth the confidence and knowledge they need to secure jobs and improve their quality of life,” said Morris.

Plant manager at the Ewarton Refinery Horace Lawrence also encouraged the students to make the best use of the opportunity as they help to build a better Jamaica.

WINDALCO Plant Manager Horace Lawrence with one of the 19 PEP scholarship awardees Julianne Henry. 

“Focus now on mastering your craft in preparation for careers that will help in the development of Jamaica. Knowledge is your greatest superpower. Use that and your passion for learning to overcome all barriers to academic excellence,” said Lawrence.

Pharmacy student Natalia Nelson expressed her gratitude to the company on behalf of all scholarship recipients.

“We extend our most heartfelt appreciation to WINDALCO for investing in the academic journey of countless students for decades. Thank you for empowering the leaders of tomorrow. We have received a gift that has been generously given and we are committed to translating this opportunity into even more meaningful achievements,” said Nelson.

The annual scholarship is open to undergraduate students enrolled in local tertiary institutions. The students are eligible for future financial assistance from the company once they maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.