Today, the Minister of Education and Workforce Development, the Hon. Diallo V. Rabain, JP, MP launched several scholarship opportunities that students can apply for, at this start of the 2018 scholarship season.
The Minister explained, “We are expanding scholarships and awards to give more Bermudians of various ages and life stages, the chance to pursue their dreams of post-secondary education and training. There are many who are not aware of the range of scholarships now offered by the Ministry of Education to complement Bermuda’s diverse society and workforce. It is important for those interested in continuing their education, to search carefully through Bermudascholarships.com, and take advantage of these funding opportunities.”
The Ministry will continue to provide scholarships and awards for public school students, students with disabilities, those studying technical education, mature students as well as top scholars from public school, private school and Bermuda College. The following new awards and criteria changes recently made to the Ministry of Education’s scholarship and awards offerings now mean an increased number of persons will be eligible for consideration.
- The Non-Traditional Student Award has replaced the Mature Student Award to help persons aged 25 and older who need a first or second chance to attend college or university. Previously, applicants had to be 35 years of age and possess sophomore standing. Applications for study at accredited institutions for online education will now be accepted.
- An Applied Technology Scholarship has been introduced for graduating public school dual-enrolment students in Bermuda College’s Applied Technical Programme.
- There are now Minister’s Bermuda College Book Awards to assist students in financial need to purchase books for successful study.
- The Exceptional Student Award will now consider applicants with disabilities up to the age of 25 years. Young people who may be working, volunteering or already attending college or university are eligible to apply.
- The Further Education Award no longer requires sophomore standing. Instead applicants must have acquired at least one year of college or university credits. This award is designed to also assist students who need financial help early in their post-secondary studies.
- The Teacher Education Scholarship has been modernized and will replace the Teacher Training Award. Applications will now be accepted from persons with and without financial need.
The Minister added, “These changes not only reflect the views of the Government, but the wishes of those advocating for more post-secondary opportunities. It is important to focus on the needs of the entire community, including those who have been underserved and underrepresented in the arena of scholarships and awards. We are committed to making a long-lasting difference to those investing in further education.”
A summary of all scholarships and awards offered by the Ministry of Education and Workforce Development Headquarters is outlined as follows:
- Minister’s Achievement Scholarship for graduating public school students. This scholarship is valued at $25,000 for overseas post-secondary study.
- Bermuda Government Scholarships for graduating senior school students or college or university students for post-secondary education. This scholarship is valued up to $35,000 towards the cost of tuition and basic accommodation.
- Minister’s Applied Tech Scholarship for graduating public school dual-enrolment students in Bermuda College’s Applied Technical Programme valued at $5,000 each. These scholarships will fund the cost of students to complete an Associate’s Degree at the Bermuda College once they have graduated from senior school.
- Teacher Education Scholarship for promising Bachelor of Education students studying subjects where there are shortages of local candidates, such as social studies, geography, English language arts, mathematics, modern foreign languages and special education. Recipients are required to return to Bermuda and teach within the Bermuda Public School System. Applications will be accepted from persons with and without financial need. This award is valued at $20,000.
- Non-Traditional Student Award for persons 25 and older pursuing post-secondary education. This award is valued at up to $20,000.
- Minister’s Technical and Vocational Award for graduating public school students or recent public school alumni attending Bermuda College with a strong interest in technical and vocational studies. Students must demonstrate financial need. This award is valued at $5,000 for local post-secondary study and $25,000 for overseas post-secondary study.
- Minister’s Exceptional Student Award for graduating students, school leavers or persons with disabilities up to the age of 25. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. This award is valued at $5,000 for local post-secondary study and $25,000 for overseas post-secondary study.
- Further Education Awards for students with at least one year of college or university credits, pursuing overseas post-secondary study. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. This award is valued at up to $10,000.
- Minister’s Bermuda College Book Awards to cover the cost of books for students. This award is valued at $500 each. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
More detailed information on scholarships and awards, including eligibility and application requirements are available atwww.Bermudascholarships.com. Questions can be emailed to: scholarships@moed.bm.