KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Portia Simpson Miller Foundation yesterday awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarships and bursaries to 40 deserving tertiary institution students across the island.

According to a release from the foundation last evening, recipients will receive bursaries ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 and these students will again be given consideration next year, based on their circumstance and GPA.

The scholarships were awarded at a ceremony at the Mayfair Hotel in Kingston.

The foundation said Simpson Miller was cheerful about the foundation and its achievements so far during its short history.

“I am very pleased with the work of this foundation. Through the work of this foundation, the lives of more than 600 students over the last six years have been changed for the better.”

She pointed out that staying true to the foundation’s motto, “lifting people up”, demonstrated commitment to performance, a passion for success and evidence of pride in self and country, would be the criteria for award by the foundation.

“Today I am proud to say, these 40 students have met and surpassed those criteria as were the previous awardees, who covered all areas of academia from Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Information Technology, Media and Communication, Marketing and Education,” said Simpson Miller.