NEW Fortress Energy (NFE) Foundation has announced that applications are now open for its engineering tertiary scholarships at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) and Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Now in its seventh year, NFE Foundation is also increasing the value of scholarships to each institution in recognition of the challenges that students and families face in meeting their financial needs. To date, the LNG (liquefied natural gas) provider has invested close to over $95 million in helping tertiary students realise their educational goals.

Endorsing the announcement by NFE, Education Minister Fayval Williams said: “Greater access to tertiary STEM education for more students is an area of particular focus for us at the MoEY [Ministry of Education and Youth]. We, therefore, welcome this continued investment and commitment by New Fortress Energy Foundation to provide well-needed scholarships for these up-and-coming engineers and scientists. This is also a profound testament that NFE understands the critical importance of driving economic advancements through youth education.”

NFE Vice-President Verona Carter said: “Each year, we have the amazing opportunity to engage hundreds of brilliant, aspiring engineers and scientists, who simply need the financial support to realise their dreams and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. They want to contribute and make their mark in Jamaica’s development, and we’re delighted to help them on this journey.”

“We believe that STEM education is an essential component of economic growth and global competitiveness. NFE is, therefore, committed to continue to invest in STEM education in Jamaica to ensure that as a country, we have the knowledge and skills necessary to drive innovation and progress so that we can better compete in the global marketplace,” added Carter.

The NFE Foundation tertiary STEM scholarship is open to all full-time students at UWI, UTech and CMU who are completing an undergraduate degree in engineering, or a STEM discipline.

To qualify for the NFE Foundation tertiary engineering scholarship, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or their university acceptance letter for first-year students. They must also be able to demonstrate sound community volunteerism, excellent leadership qualities and prove that they need financial help. Applications are open up until July 31, 2023. For more information, students must visit the scholarship pages of their respective university websites.