The Tribune

TEN students at the College of the Bahamas begin their third year as BTC scholars this week, receiving tuition and other expenses through the company’s scholarship programme.

In keeping with its goal of supporting, nurturing and developing young people, the telecommunications company signed a memorandum with the College in 2013 to establish the BTC Scholars Programme, a $250,000 investment over a five-year period, to provide tertiary education for academically qualified students but unable to afford it.

The scholars are Leander Gardiner (studying Biology/Chemistry); Jenile Henry (Biology/Chemistry); Desire Taylor (Biology/Chemistry); Adrian Culmer (Computer Information Systems/Management Information Systems); Falena Pinder (Computer Information Systems/Management Information Systems); Sasha Rolle (Computer Information Systems); Nakeisha Symonette (Law and Criminal Justice); Lashunda Wallace (Management); Kendria Daniels (Primary Certification: General); and Kenique Pinder (Psychology).

Emphasising the importance of youth development to BTC’s overall social impact aims, Leon Williams, CEO of BTC said that education features strongly in the company’s community support nationally.

“We support the educational efforts and dreams of hard-working high school and college students, talented athletes and entertainers and any fervent youngster with a dream of advancing in a particular skill or profession,” he said. “BTC is dedicated to supporting, nurturing and developing the youth in our communities throughout the Bahamas.”

Mr Culmer, who is pursuing a career in Computer Information Systems and Management Information Systems, said BTC had “entrusted me with a gift that will continually give back to our community. I thank God for this opportunity”.

Miss Wallace, of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, initially wanted to pursue a degree in Education but she said, “God showed me that I should have been in Business Administration all along because I felt such a passion for all that relates to business. BTC’s generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as BTC has helped me.”

Each student is expected to maintain their Grade Point Average during the four-year scholarship tenure at the college. BTC’s goal in providing these outstanding students with the opportunity of a free college education is to develop and encourage well-rounded, career-focused Bahamian citizens who remember to give back to the community when they are able to do so.

College of the Bahamas President Dr Rodney Smith said: “This public and private partnership advances national development and will reap dividends in the future. For students receiving this financial assistance, it is hoped that one day, they in turn, will become philanthropists who consistently give back to the “University of The Bahamas”.

BTC, recognising the importance of the country having a University, will continue to play a role as the College undergoes this transition, contributing $10,000 annually to The University Endowment which was established to raise funding in perpetuity for the institution. Mr Williams said: “We will always support education. We cannot run our company without educated Bahamians. We cannot grow our country without educated Bahamians. So, I would expect that BTC will always consider educational aid in some form or another.”