UNIVERSITY of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) through its TVET arm — UCC Academy — is offering two-year scholarships to students who graduate grade 11 in 2022 but who do not wish to attend high school sixth form in the continuation of their studies.

The sixth-form pathways programme is part of the ministry’s implementation of a seven-year high school programme. It allows for students who complete grade 11 to enrol in the programme and pursue a two-year course of study with alternative opportunities, alongside the traditional sixth-form curriculum.

To encourage enrolment, UCC held a career expo on Friday during which current students had their skills and talents on display. Vice Principal at UCC, Dr Leleith Donald Tomlinson told the Jamaica Observer that the objective of the expo was to seek to highlight the skills and talent of students, and encourage growth in the programme.

“A team of us came together in making this exciting idea a reality. We educated and guided students on the entire concept of digital marketing and how to make money. I believe this will be on the calendar of events for future activities,” Dr Donald Tomlinson opined.

Added Tomlinson: “I must add that the sixth-form integration programme, which is a partnership between UCC and the Ministry of Education and Youth, is not only here at UCC but other partnering tertiary institutions. Here at UCC, in extension the UCC Academy, students who graduate grade 11 in 2022 and do not wish to attend high school sixth form can apply online to any of the programmes we are offering here at UCC for the K13 sixth-form pathways programme, which includes but is not limited to our over five accredited associate degrees.”

The education ministry has been implementing what is referred to as the K-13 Strategy in an effort to ensure that all Jamaican learners have access to education from the early childhood to secondary levels of the education system.

Meanwhile, Kerry Ann Flannigan, affiliate coordinator at UCC , said the university is introducing a student referral programme designed to help UCC students and alumni earn a commission or tuition credit for referring people to study there.

“To be a part, all one student has to do is sign up and he/she becomes an affiliate. You would receive a unique link that you will share with individuals; once they apply using your link you earn a commission,” Flannigan said. “If you refer 30 persons you can receive up to $1,350,000 to your account .”

— Daniel Campbell