A partnership between the University of Technology (UTech) and Miya-Water Jamaica, a company focused on building water efficiency that effectively advances sustainability, was formalised on July 23 to offer scholarships to students enrolled in undergraduate programmes within the university’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing. 

Six students will receive an annual scholarship during their second to fourth year of study, valued at J$3 million. Each selected student will receive a scholarship amount of J$500,000.00 per academic year for tuition only. 

The collaboration will initially focus on students in the civil engineering programme and at a later stage will expand to include students in the electrical and mechanical engineering programmes.

To be eligible to receive the scholarship, students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.7, demonstrate the need for financial assistance and must be enrolled in the civil, mechanical or electrical undergraduate programme within the faculty. 

UTech president Dr Kevin Brown, in welcoming the partnership with Miya-Water Jamaica, expressed sincere appreciation for the company’s contribution. 

Highlighting the expertise and experience of UTech, Jamaica graduates, Dr Brown shared, “I think this is the appropriate institution to produce the workforce that you need, that’s what we’ve been doing for the last 66 years.” 

He added that, as Jamaica’s premier STEM university, UTech establishes robust connections with industry to align the curriculum with the demands of the sector to ensure graduates are well-equipped for the workforce. 

Acknowledging the financial struggles of many students, Brown also noted the importance of opportunities for financial aid which undoubtedly “will change someone’s life and contribute to the development of Jamaica.”

Professor Sean Thorpe, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, also extended gratitude to Miya-Water Jamaica for their generous contribution towards enhancing the educational environment at UTech.

Latoya Jackson-Morgan, UTech alumna and assistant vice president of the Project Management Office, at the National Water Commission (NWC), stated, “I am thrilled in fact that we can have a partnership with a company willing to give back to Jamaica and also to my school, even though I have attended other universities, UTech has always been that special.”

Jose Carazo, chief growth officer of Miya-Water shared, “We are pleased to participate and get involved with the university.  For us, it’s an honour to be here and we are very happy to work in Jamaica, we’re very committed to the country.” 

He added that Miya-Water is committed to assisting students who have financial needs, but very strong potential.

The annual Miya-Water scholarships will be administered by UTech’s Scholarship Office at its Papine campus in St Andrew.