Sagicor Foundation has awarded over $8 million in new scholarships to 47 students across Jamaica, reaffirming its commitment to education and empowering the nation’s youth. 

The foundation held its annual scholarship awards ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and handed out scholarships to 20 tertiary and 27 secondary school students. The event also highlighted the foundation’s mission to support the educational pursuits and aspirations of Jamaica’s future leaders. 

For this year’s ceremony, Sagicor Foundation introduced two new awards: the R. Danny Williams Visionary Award for Leadership and Volunteerism and the Chairman’s Innovation Award.

The Visionary Award, named in honour of the late former Sagicor chairman,  a pioneer in the insurance industry and a passionate philanthropist, is awarded to a tertiary scholarship recipient who has shown exceptional leadership in their school, community, or organisation.

On the other hand, the Chairman’s Innovation Award, presented by Sagicor Foundation Chairman Christopher Zacca, recognises a tertiary scholarship recipient who has demonstrated creativity and originality in developing new ideas, processes, or products, particularly those that leverage technology to drive positive change.

For over a decade, the scholarship programme has provided essential financial support to hundreds of students, offering opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach.

Honouring the legacy of R Danny Williams 

Zacca, in his remarks at the ceremony, emphasised the transformative power of these scholarships, reminding the 2024 recipients, “Education is not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about igniting change.”

He used the occasion to honour the legacy of the foundation’s late Founder and Chairman R. Danny Williams, whose vision continues to inspire the Foundation’s work.

Among the 27 recipients of Sagicor Secondary Scholarships this year are 14 top Primary Exit Profile (PEP) performers who are children of Sagicor Life group insurance clients, as well as seven Sagicor team members’ children.

Children who have excelled in their PEP Examinations with at least a ‘B’ or 80% academic average are eligible for the Foundation’s Secondary Scholarship Award, valued at $50,000 annually for up to five years.

Additionally, the scholarship programme also recognises the top performers in the JTA/Sagicor National Championship. This year, three Champion Boys and three Champion Girls tied for the top positions and were awarded scholarships, a nod to their talent and determination, as future leaders of Jamaica.

Twenty students enrolled in undergraduate degree programmes at select Jamaican institutions also received Tertiary Scholarship Awards. These scholars, who have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher, will receive up to $300,000 per academic year for tuition, renewable annually for up to four years. 

Selection criteria include academic performance, leadership qualities, and a commitment to volunteerism, with many recipients being clients or children of clients of Sagicor Group subsidiaries.

Sagicor Group VP of Communications, Social Media and CSR Nicole Campbell Robinson commented on the significance and impact of these scholarships on each student’s life positing.

“By easing the financial burden on these students, the foundation ensures they can focus on their studies and personal development, equipping them to become the leaders and innovators Jamaica needs. In return, the scholarship recipients commit to maintaining their academic performance and completing at least 40 hours of volunteer service each year, fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement,“ Campbell Robinson remarked.