STEM scholarships coming for UTech students from low-income households
MORE advancement in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sector is coming, as 1,000 graduates from low-income households will be granted full scholarships to attend University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech).
The Government’s scholarship programme, launched on Thursday, was done in partnership with Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) and UTech, which will see students over five cohorts benefiting from a $2.5-billion investment.
Acting deputy president at UTech Professor Haldane Johnson said over 140 undergraduate students of the targeted first cohort of 200 have already been identified for the STEM programme.
“This STEM scholarship programme is another win-win model for Jamaica’s development, demonstrating that when academia, government and industry come together for the investment in youth and education training, the future can be brighter for Jamaica,” he said
Johnson said under the STEM scholarship programme, undergraduate beneficiaries will have the opportunity to choose from 13 programmes offered at UTech, Jamaica’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing — which includes Bachelor of Science in computing, computer network and security, animation production and development, computer information systems and diplomas in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.
Noting that the initiative is a step in the right direction, executive director at SLB Nickeisha Walsh said additional benefits will also be provided for beneficiaries.
“Through our own STEM programme, beneficiaries can apply for a SLB loan, and pursue studies in STEM. These beneficiaries will benefit from a reduced interest rate of 6 per cent unsecured. This is our commitment to Jamaicans,” she said.
At the same time, Minister of Finance and the Public Service Dr Nigel Clarke said the programme is another modality of supporting the financing of tertiary education.
“The Government is serious about taking advantage of this opportunity that Jamaica has and for this reason we are making a concerted effort to support the production of qualified, trained, and skilled graduates in STEM areas, generally and in particular the emerging subsectors of computer science,” he Psaid.
The scholarship launch is part of the Government’s aim to boost the country’s capacity in STEM over the next five years.
Last Thursday, the STEM Scholarship Programme was launched for some 1,250 new student-teachers at The Mico University College.
