Minister On Expanded Scholarship Program

“This year, we’re proud to introduce new and improved awards that underscore our dedication to accessible, inclusive education,” Minister of Education Diallo Rabain said.

Speaking in the House of Assembly today [March 8], the Minister said, “This year, we’re proud to introduce new and improved awards that underscore our dedication to accessible, inclusive education.

“First, we celebrate our enduring partnership with the University of West Indies [UWI] by earmarking funds specifically for Bermudian students. We’re offering three annual awards, each valued at $7,500, for those committed to pursuing their academic journeys at UWI. This initiative reinforces our long-standing relationship with UWI and opens doors for students eager to explore educational opportunities beyond our shores.

“Males in Education – Recognizing the pivotal role of male educators in shaping our future, we are introducing four new awards to encourage men to enter the education sector. This initiative provides financial support for males aspiring to switch careers and earn a teaching license through a qualified practicum, addressing a crucial gap in our educational workforce.

“The College Promise Program, launched in 2021, has been a beacon of opportunity for graduating seniors from CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute, allowing them to attend Bermuda College tuition-free. This year, we are taking it a step further by including a stipend to cover class incidentals like books, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder our students’ educational pursuits.

“Lastly, we are allocating $50,000 to support Educational Trips for public schools, enabling them to apply for up to $5,000 annually. This funding aims to provide a solid foundation for schools planning enriching educational experiences for their students, alleviating the financial burden often shouldered by parents and the community.”

The Minister’s full statement follows below:

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you to share an inspiring journey—a narrative of empowerment and growth fueled by the Ministry of Education’s dedication to fostering a brighter future for Bermuda through our Scholarships and Awards program. It is with immense pride that I announce our commitment, which has not only been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from our community but has also led to a remarkable increase in funding. Since 2017, we have successfully increased the budget for our scholarships and awards to a total exceeding $2 million. This milestone is not just a number; it’s a testament to our collective vision of nurturing a diverse and inclusive Bermuda, where every dream has the support it needs to flourish.

Mr. Speaker, expanding our Scholarships and Awards offerings is more than a policy—it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for Bermudians across all walks of life. Whether young or seasoned, regardless of background or career aspirations, we are here to say that your ambitions are valid, and your potential is limitless. By investing over $2 million into our citizens’ futures, we’re not just funding education; we’re investing in the social and economic pillars of Bermuda. We’re fostering an environment where promise, growth, and achievement are recognized and celebrated in all forms. Let’s continue this journey together, building a Bermuda where every individual has the opportunity to reach their highest potential.

Mr. Speaker, as we continue to evolve and refine our commitment to education, I am excited to reveal the latest enhancements to our Scholarship and Awards program, carefully designed to meet the diverse aspirations of our community. This year, we’re proud to introduce new and improved awards that underscore our dedication to accessible, inclusive education.

First, we celebrate our enduring partnership with the University of West Indies [UWI] by earmarking funds specifically for Bermudian students. We’re offering three annual awards, each valued at $7,500, for those committed to pursuing their academic journeys at UWI. This initiative reinforces our long-standing relationship with UWI and opens doors for students eager to explore educational opportunities beyond our shores.

Males in Education – Recognizing the pivotal role of male educators in shaping our future, we are introducing four new awards to encourage men to enter the education sector. This initiative provides financial support for males aspiring to switch careers and earn a teaching license through a qualified practicum, addressing a crucial gap in our educational workforce.

The College Promise Program, launched in 2021, has been a beacon of opportunity for graduating seniors from CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute, allowing them to attend Bermuda College tuition-free. This year, we are taking it a step further by including a stipend to cover class incidentals like books, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder our students’ educational pursuits.

Lastly, we are allocating $50,000 to support Educational Trips for public schools, enabling them to apply for up to $5,000 annually. This funding aims to provide a solid foundation for schools planning enriching educational experiences for their students, alleviating the financial burden often shouldered by parents and the community.

Mr. Speaker, together, these enhancements to our Scholarship and Awards program are more than just financial investments; they declare our belief in Bermudians’ boundless potential. By broadening access and removing barriers, we are paving the way for a future where everyone can excel and contribute to our vibrant society’s tapestry.

Mr. Speaker, these new or updated awards complement our already extensive awards list, which include:

• Two [2] Bermuda Government Scholarships worth up to $35,000 per year for four years.
• Two [2] Non-Traditional Student Awards; up to $20,000 per year for four years
• Up to Three [3] Teacher Education Scholarships; up to $20,000 per year for four years
• Fifty [50] Further Education Awards worth up to $10,000 each
• Two [2] Minister’s Achievement Scholarships: up to $25,000 per year for four years.
• Five [5] Applied Science Scholarships: $5,000 for one year.
• Two [2] Exceptional Student Awards: up to $25,000 per year for four years overseas and $5,000 per year for two years for Bermuda College
• Two [2] Technical & Vocational Awards; up to $25,000 per year for four years overseas and $5,000 per year for two years for Bermuda College and,
• Ten [10] Bermuda College Book Awards worth $500 each
• Continued supply of a $300,000 grant to Bermuda College for Financial Aid

Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the House and the listening public that the deadline for submitting applications for scholarships and awards is April 8th, 2018. I encourage eligible applicants to take this time to consider and apply for our scholarships and awards. I hope those pursuing post-secondary education know that more and more scholarship opportunities exist for a greater range of people. Therefore, I encourage parents, students, and other interested persons to review our scholarship opportunities and the many different scholarships and awards available at www.bermudascholarships.com. More information can be found on the www.moed.bm website. Information on how to apply for Financial Aid from Bermuda College can be found on their website at www.college.bm.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate another expansion of our Scholarship and Awards offerings to help support more Bermudians, the Ministry of Education is acutely aware that the need exceeds the supply. However, the Ministry stands committed to continuing to review our approach to scholarships and awards with an eye to improving what we do and developing more opportunities to bring post-secondary education within reach of all Bermudians. Our aim is clear: to broaden the horizon of possibilities, making post-secondary education increasingly accessible to all Bermudians. We are dedicated to meeting the current demand and anticipating and fostering future generations’ growth. We are crafting a legacy of education and empowerment, ensuring that the promise of tomorrow is accessible to every Bermudian today.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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