UTech, Jamaica 2015-16 Annual Report

DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT FINANCING The Department of Student Financing remains committed to its mission “ to positively impact the lives of students through the provision of innovative student financial support services, maintaining the highest standards of service, integrity and professionalism .” SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES For the 2015/16 fiscal year, the Scholarship Portfolio continued on its upward trajectory; with improved performance in both the number of awardees and the value of the awards. For the review period, the Department of Student Financing administered scholarships valuing just over $137 Million Dollars ($137,282,426), donated by 141 public and private sector donors . These scholarships and bursaries benefitted 773 students from across the University’s eight Faculties/Colleges (see table 1.1 below for details). The figures for 2015/16 represent a slight increase of $3.3 Million Dollars (3%); over the previous year. This positive movement has been the trend over the last few years; and is indicative of the ever- increasing support that the University continues to receive from its generous benefactors. IMPORTANT LINKAGES The Governor General’s Programme for Excellence Since 2013 the University has partnered with His Excellency, Sir Patrick Allen on the I-Believe Scholarship Initiative . This initiative seeks to recognize outstanding young Jamaicans who demonstrate a spirit of volunteerism and are also outstanding academic achievers. To date, the University has provided funding for 4 students amounting to $1.75 Million Dollars; under the I-Believe Programme for Excellence. Additionally in 2016, the Governor General offered the University a special gift in celebration of his 40 th wedding anniversary. Three students were awarded a total of $ 1,731,580.00 in scholarships & Bursaries Their Excellencies Sir Patrick Allen (2nd left) and Lady Allen (3rd left) with Professor Dr Colin Gyles, Acting President of the University of Technology, Jamaica (right), Ms. Simone Dwyer, scholarship winner (2nd right), Mr Raymond Stewart, first runner-up, bursary recipient (3rd right) and Lacy- Ann Green, second runner-up, bursary recipient Page 30 University of Technology, Jamaica ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016