For the present academic year, four students at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus have been awarded Scotiabank scholarships, as part of the Bank’s regional scholarship programme with The UWI.
Over the past 14 years, The UWI and Scotiabank have enjoyed a fruitful relationship in which Scotiabank has been the lead sponsor for The UWI Toronto Benefit Gala. The annual event, which is the University’s largest fundraising event in Canada, provides scholarships to empower students with a world-class education that shapes future generations of Caribbean people.
Through the Scotiabank scholarships, students receive support to benefit from higher education. At a meet and greet with the students, Suzette Armoogam-Shah, Managing Director, Scotiabank Barbados reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to youth and education. “At Scotiabank, we believe in the importance of investing in the youth of our communities to help them reach their infinite potential. We know that how we support young people today can help them for tomorrow, and that’s why we want to help them thrive.”
One of the scholarship recipients, Danielle Lazarus, who is pursuing her degree in Law commented “There have been many times throughout my three-year degree that I’ve genuinely considered dropping out because there was always something financially that made me question if I could make it. The aid of Scotiabank through the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Scholarship answered this question for me. It pushed me when I was stagnant, helped me up when I was falling, and eased my anxiety about my finances. It breathed life into my stuttering ambition when I was unable to do so myself. It is heartwarming to note that an institution such as Scotiabank has taken the initiative to aid students who are attempting to better their lives through a tertiary degree.”
Computer Science degree student, Jalen Thornhill descried the scholarship as “life changing”, stating “Receiving the Scotiabank scholarship has truly been life-changing for me. Living with my grandmother, a pensioner who has worked tirelessly to support me, brought its share of financial challenges and worries. These burdens often made it difficult to fully focus on my studies. The scholarship from Scotiabank has significantly relieved this financial stress, allowing me to dedicate more energy and attention to my academics and personal development. I am immensely grateful to Scotiabank for investing in youth like me, demonstrating genuine care and support for young people’s potential. Knowing that there are organizations committed to empowering students provides motivation and encouragement to push forward, work harder, and achieve my goals.”
Jelani Greer, who is undertaking an Economics and Finance degree shared “I am truly grateful for the opportunity provided by Scotiabank’s investment in youth through this scholarship. This support has not only eased the financial burden of my education but has also reinforced my confidence in pursuing my academic and professional goals. It’s encouraging to see a company actively investing in the future of young people, empowering us to achieve success and contribute meaningfully to our communities. Initiatives like these make a real difference, and I appreciate Scotiabank’s commitment to education and youth development.
Medical student, Danielle Reyes extended gratitude to Scotiabank for the scholarship she received. “This generous support has been a tremendous help in my studies and has lightened the financial struggle a little, for which I am truly grateful. Your contribution has made a positive impact on my journey, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity it has given me to continue pursuing my goals.”
The Scotiabank scholarships are available to CARICOM Nationals who are pursuing full time undergraduate programmes at UWI Campuses in Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, either the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Sport, Faculty of Humanities & Education, Faculty of Law or the Faculty of Social Sciences. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic performance (GPA of 3.0 or above), involvement in co-curricular activities, as well as have verifiable financial need. For the 2024-2025 academic year, 19 scholarships have been funded by Scotiabank across the 3 campuses.
