Sygnus Capital PR LLC, a subsidiary of the Sygnus Group, has invested US$6 million into the Ana G Méndez University (AGMU) in Puerto Rico.

This injection of funds into Puerto Rico’s education sector will result in the launch of high-demand accredited programmes such as dental medicine, veterinary medicine, and physical therapy at the institution. As such, Sygus Capital has dubbed this as a “significant investment” that is “marking a milestone in the island’s educational landscape”.

“We are proud to support institutions that are making a real difference in the community. By easing access to financing, we are helping to eliminate barriers and create opportunities for Puerto Rico’s young talents to prosper right here in their homeland,” James Connor, CEO of Sygnus Capital PR LLC, shared in a release from the company.

The Ana G. Méndez University is a private university system with its main campus in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is an accredited, not-for-profit institution of higher education that also operates campuses in Florida, USA.

AGMU offers a variety of academic programmes in Spanish, English, and both languages through various modalities using emerging and innovative technologies. The university promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and the appreciation of and respect for diversity.

University expansion and student retention

At present, AGMU is expanding its offerings in technical fields of study and other programmes that respond to the changing needs of the job market and provide access to new opportunities for professional development.

“For years, Puerto Rico has faced a challenging exodus of young talents due to the lack of specialised programmes and adequate infrastructure on the island. This has led countless students to migrate and enrol in programmes abroad to complete their studies. However, the expansion of the academic offering can help to change this narrative,” Connor explained.

Sygnus’ alliance with AGMU will allow the educational institution to enhance training in historically neglected fields with its new accredited programmes. The odontology programme will welcome 45 students in 2024-2025, and increase accommodation to 90 in 2025-2026.

The new veterinary medicine programme will be the only one in Puerto Rico, and for its first year will receive 80 students, growing to 158 students for the next academic year. The physical therapy programme will start with at least 40 students per year.

Both Sygnus and AGMU believe these fields have significant growth potential, given that hundreds of students migrate each year to study in these career paths.

Sygnus Capital PR LLC’s CEO therefore explained that by offering these programmes locally, Ana G Méndez University will allow many young talents to be moulded as professionals in their fields and apply their knowledge through services and jobs on the island.

State of the art education

The financing from Sygnus Capital has enabled the university to acquire state-of-the-art equipment, which includes outfitting dental clinics, veterinary labs, and physical therapy facilities with the latest technology. Both parties say the partnership not only addresses the immediate educational needs but also lays the foundation for long-term economic growth in Puerto Rico. by helping to cultivate a skilled workforce, ultimately contributing to the island’s prosperity.

“This joint support is evidence of the commitment of both entities to Puerto Rico’s socioeconomic development. At the same time, it established a model for future collaborations in the education sector. Sygnus Capital and Ana G. Méndez University are paving the way for a more prosperous and equitable future for the island, showing that investment in education can have a lasting impact in local communities,” Connor concluded.