The Scholarship Secretariat, operating under the Ministry of Education, has successfully concluded its island-wide school outreach programme, aimed at equipping students with vital information on academic planning, scholarship opportunities, and career development. Running from February through May 2025, the initiative reached all government high schools as well as both campuses of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC).
Targeting 5th Form students preparing for graduation and 3rd Form students selecting subjects—a pivotal academic decision point—the outreach focused on helping students make informed choices about their futures while highlighting the support available through government resources.
Accompanying the Secretariat team was Ms. Arielle Neely, Coordinator of the National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme (NIAP), who shared the benefits of practical experience through internships and apprenticeships. Her sessions underscored the importance of combining academic achievement with workplace readiness.
“As part of our effort to promote both TCICC and the NIAP, we’ve been encouraging students to view their development as a three-step journey,” said Scholarship Officer Sharine Lightbourne. “It begins with a strong academic foundation at TCICC, continues with further studies abroad supported by government funding, and culminates in practical experience gained through local internship and apprenticeship programmes. This structured pathway sets students up for personal success and meaningful national contribution.”
Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, commended the Secretariat for its proactive engagement with students across the islands. “This outreach initiative exemplifies our Ministry’s commitment to ensuring every student—regardless of their background or location—has access to the information and guidance necessary to make empowered academic and career decisions. We are investing in our young people today so that they can become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,” said Minister Taylor.
Each outreach session featured interactive discussions covering scholarship eligibility, application processes, subject selection strategies, and long-term academic planning. Students received printed resources and were encouraged to remain in contact with the Secretariat and the Internship Programme for continued support.
The team also emphasised the increasing importance of technical and vocational careers to the sustainable development of the Turks and Caicos Islands, encouraging students to explore trades, applied sciences, and other emerging fields.
With government school visits now complete, the Scholarship Secretariat is preparing to extend its outreach to private schools. Interested institutions are invited to contact the Secretariat to schedule a presentation.
The Scholarship Secretariat remains committed to expanding access to higher education, cultivating local talent, and developing a workforce aligned with the future needs of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
