Students in Devonshire can win $5,000 towards their education thanks to a scholarship programme from the parish council.
This is the second year of the Devonshire Parish Council Undergraduate Scholarship, which offers an award of $5,000 plus two bursaries of $2,000.
The inaugural scholarship scheme attracted 15 applicants last year, and this year organizers are hoping for even more.
Undergraduates must be studying at an overseas college or university and be a resident of Devonshire for at least five years. Financial need will also be taken into consideration.
Kimberley Caines, Devonshire Parish Council scholarship committee chairman, said: “We were aware that other parish councils in Bermuda had scholarship schemes and so last year made the decision to assist. We wanted to contribute to the local residents in a tangible way, to assist them in reaching their dreams. And in this economic climate we know a lot of families are experiencing financial hardship. These are challenging times and if we are in a position to assist as a council, what better way than through education. Around the world, people say that if you want to secure your future generation, education is the key.
“Last year when the scholarship programme was launched, we got a really good response and met some amazing individuals.
“We were so pleased and excited to see young Bermudians doing positive things with their lives. It was also interesting to see an array of individuals following different disciplines, such as forensics, interior design and architecture.
“Most of the applicants were not pursuing the main professions on the island, such as insurance and accountancy. And all of them wanted to come back to Bermuda to further their involvement in the local community, so that was encouraging. I hope this year we can reach out to let other Devonshire residents know that we have a scholarship available for young Bermudians.”
Last year, Shawnae Brangman, a graduate and deputy head girl of Warwick Academy, won the $5,000 scholarship. Ms Brangman started studying social work at Arizona State University in September.
She impressed the committee not only with her academic results but also her extra-curricular activities. These included dancing with the Jackson School of Performing Arts, representing Bermuda in athletics, and being a mentor for YouthNet.
The first bursary recipient was Masen O’Brien, a graduate and head boy of Bermuda Institute.
Mr O’Brien started his biochemistry degree at Oakwood University, Alabama, in the fall and wants to become a forensic scientist.
He is a member of the National Junior Honour Society and National Honour Society, and is also active in his church and the community.
The other bursary recipient was Kejon Sampson, a 2009 Berkeley Institute graduate who is studying for a degree in architectural building and engineering technology at the New England Institute of Technology, Rhode Island.
Mr Sampson is a volunteer at the Centre on Angle Street and is a decorated drummer and drum leader with the Centre’s Drum Camp. He played football with Dandy Town Sports Club and was a member of the Junior League Bowling Team and National Team.
• For more information on the Devonshire Parish Council Undergraduate Scholarship, e-mail dpcscholarship@gmail.com. Application forms are available online or at Devonshire Post Office, and should be posted to PO Box DV 52. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.