NCB Foundation opens annual tertiary scholarships for digital future-fit skills

In a world where algorithms outpace intuition and data drives everything from farming to finance, digital skills are the new passport. For Jamaica to remain competitive and build a stronger economy, we must equip the next generation with the tools to lead in this space. That is the thinking behind the N.C.B. Foundation’s sharpened focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subject areas.

Now in its 17th year, the foundation’s Scholarship and Grants Programme continues to open doors for students who show tremendous potential but face financial barriers. This year, the N.C.B. Foundation is funding tertiary scholarships for the sum of J$35 million, along with book grants for students at the primary and secondary levels.

“We are investing in Jamaica’s long-term digital potential and backing the students who will build it,” says Thalia Lyn, chair of the NCB Foundation. “Our aim is to expand the country’s pool of digital producers by equipping young people with the skills to innovate, solve real-world problems, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. It is about creating opportunities for students to access higher education and succeed in high-demand fields that will define the future of work. Jamaica has the talent, and we are helping to unlock it.”

Jamaica currently spends 0.7% of GDP on research and development, far below the global average of 2.2%. Meanwhile, demand for skills in cybersecurity, biotechnology, gaming, cloud computing, and AI is growing rapidly across the Caribbean. By directing funding to students pursuing degrees in high-demand tech fields, the foundation is helping as well as delivering strategic national value.

Youth unemployment remains a major challenge, especially among 14 to 24-year-olds. One of the biggest barriers to access is that many young Jamaicans are simply unable to afford the education needed to compete in modern job markets.

Building the Bridge

Since its launching in 2008, the NCB Foundation has awarded more than J$1 billion in education funding to more than 13,500 students. In recent years, the programme has moved deliberately towards supporting digital careers and national-development goals.

Last year’s recipients were

• Joshua Newsome, awarded J$700,000 per year to pursue electrical and computer engineering at the University of Technology

• John-Ross Crooks, now studying software engineering with a focus on gaming technology at the University of Technology.

• Paul Brown, recipient of the Dr Rickert Allen Memorial Scholarship, currently enrolled in a networking and cybersecurity programme at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Their stories reflect the foundation’s wider mission to fund education in areas that are critical to Jamaica’s growth and future readiness.

Students must meet academic requirements, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above, and give back through volunteerism. The goal is to build a well-rounded, future-ready workforce that reflects the breadth of Jamaica’s potential.

Applications for the NCB Foundation’s 2025 scholarships and grants are now open. Students are encouraged to visit ncbscholarships.com and submit their applications by July 11.