38 students to receive JEP-WKPP scholarships totalling $11m

Over the past 20 years, Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) has been committed to facilitating youth in the advancement of their education as well as personal and professional development. Education is a pivotal part of its corporate social responsibility portfolio and, as such, the company strongly endorses students dedicated to achieving the highest level of education and takes pride in providing the necessary materials required for them to excel.

In 1997, JEP officially implemented its scholarships and grants programme. In 2012, affiliate company WKPP also established a scholarship programme, and since then, both have assisted more than 1,000 students at the secondary and tertiary levels to attain academic success.

"Since 1997, our scholarships programme has been quite impactful. Not only have we contributed to nation building, but have assimilated some of our recipients into our core business in the departments of HR, engineering and finance," said Wayne McKenzie, president and chief executive officer of Jamaica Energy Partners and West Kingston Power Partners (WKPP).

"It is with pride that we ensure the sustainability of our assets and have placed people in a critical position to contribute to nation building through medicine, education, finance and engineering - all consistent with our country 2030 plan. We look forward to continuing to making a positive and enduring mark in the lives of our nation's youth through not just education, but in any way we can."

ACHIEVE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

This year, both companies will grant 38 students scholarships to assist them with tuition and other educational expenses for the 2018-2019 academic year. Those eligible for this scholarship include students who achieve academic excellence and reside in the west Kingston and St Catherine areas.

Individually, Grade Six Achievement Test awardees will receive scholarships valuing $175,000, and tertiary students, $1,000,000 or grants of $720,000 for the duration of their schooling. For the scholarship to be re-awarded, secondary students have to maintain a B+ average while tertiary students require a 3.0 GPA.

The companies will also award two top achievers who are children of current employees. The 38 students, as well as the JEP-WKPP internal achievers, will be recognised for their outstanding academic achievements at the annual scholarship awards ceremony, slated for July 27.

JEP has also made significant contributions to the education sector through its adult literacy and training programme; an apprenticeship programme; numerous sponsorships to CMI's chair, and its school feeding programme, which ensures that students in west Kingston and Old Harbour Bay receive nutritious breakfast every morning.