‘College Promise Has Been Incredibly Valuable’
“As one of the many who has actively benefited from the program, I would wholeheartedly recommend and encourage other future and current students to participate in it and take full advantage of this prospect,” Bermuda College student Alex Pacheco said.
Yesterday, the Minister of Education Diallo Rabain explained that, “The College Promise was introduced in 2018 and provides free tuition to attend the Bermuda College for any public school student graduating with a 3.0 GPA.
“Now in its second year, there are 70 College Promise students enrolled at Bermuda College. In 2020, there was an 80% increase from the first year of College Promise. We expect this number to increase as students weigh their options and realise how affordable and accessible it is to attend the Bermuda College,” the Minister said.
Speaking at the press conference yesterday, Alex Pacheco said, ”I am 19 years old and in my second year of Bermuda College. I have participated in the College Promise for two years, ever since I graduated from CedarBridge Academy in 2019.
“My plans for the future are completing my associate degree in Business Administrations this May, then going abroad in the fall to further my education in Canada. Career-wise, I aspire to become a broker in insurance. I am here today to talk about what it’s meant to be part of the College Promise Initiative, my experience, and how it has benefited me and many other students.
”I first heard about the College Promise a few weeks before my high school graduation. One of my counselors at the time had come up to me and few other students explaining the initiative and how we all fit the requirements. Afterward, I applied for the program, enrolled in Bermuda College, and here I am now.
”The College Promise has been incredibly valuable and worth its weight from the very beginning. It has helped support me and my parents financially, as the whole program allowed me to lessen the load on their backs when it comes to tuition fees.
”I have been able to reduce the overall stress that comes with dealing with finances, allowing me to focus on saving up for future education and paying for the materials needed.
Bermuda College Vice President, Dr Phyllis Curtis-Tweed, Minister Diallo Rabain and Bermuda College student, Alex Pacheco
“The College Promise has aided me and many additional students in the monetary phases of higher education when attending Bermuda College. The program has allowed all of us to stay focused on our education and accomplish our goals. Academically, the College Promise has helped me put all my focus in my studies and supported me with staying on track with my plans.
”Based on my personal experiences, I am incredibly grateful and appreciative for this opportunity and what the College Promise program has provided for me and many pupils alike.
“Higher education in the college and university segment is not easily accessible to everyone. Many individuals, unfortunately, can’t actively participate in their desired endeavors due to the general cost of higher education being too high.
“The College Promise allows students to attend Bermuda College with the financial aspects dealt with, so we as students get that needed first step without having funds being a key influence.
”As one of the many who has actively benefited from the program, I would wholeheartedly recommend and encourage other future and current students to participate in it and take full advantage of this prospect.”
