EduCom Co-operative Credit Union, in continued support of its corporate social responsibility, has awarded a total of 97 scholarships valued at $4.9 Million to students at the primary and tertiary levels island-wide.

The highlight of this year’s scholarships was the presentation of the inaugural Elvis King Memorial Scholarship valued at $800,000 named in honour of EduCom’s former CEO who passed away suddenly in 2022.

The first recipient of this scholarship, 23-year-old Jowayne Robinson, was overjoyed on receiving the call informing him of his selection. The Munro College alumnus hails from the quaint district of Mt Pisgah in St James. Speaking after the presentation, Jowayne shared that he is honoured to receive such a meaningful award. “I’m very grateful and humbled to receive the inaugural award. From what I’ve read and heard about the late Mr King, he was a man of integrity who was passionate about volunteerism and nation-building. I hope to follow in those footsteps.”

Jowayne is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Corporate Finance at the Mona School of Business, University of the West Indies (Mona) where he hopes to continue making his family and community proud.

The scholarship will contribute to his tuition and other living expenses on campus. “I’ve never had it easy since high school. It was always a challenge to fund my education; so, I can now rest easy and just focus on my studies.”

The scholarship which is centred on preserving the legacy of Mr King will allow individuals to pursue or continue studies in a business-related Master’s Degree programme in Jamaica.

Speaking at the presentation, Board Secretary, Sonia Bennett Anderson, opined that Mr King would be very proud: “Given the type of person Mr King was and how he lived his life, this was the most fitting way to honour him. He was studying at the time of his passing and was also very passionate about acts of service and support, especially to those most in need within the field of education.”

The scholarships granted for the 2024/2025 academic year will allow students to pursue studies at the University of the West Indies, The University of Technology, various Community and Teachers’ Colleges, as well as at several high schools.

Of the 97 scholarships granted for the new academic year, 74 of the recipients were PEP awardees. At the tertiary level, the EduCom Scholarships will allow 23 students to pursue degree courses.