THE Mico University College is joining in the celebrations of Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence by offering 60 scholarships to incoming students for the 2022/23 academic year. This is part of the institution’s response to the disruptions and economic hardships faced by many potential students whose dream of tertiary education will not be realised unless financial assistance is provided.

Recognising the need for a significant increase in the number of special education teachers in Jamaica, one of the scholarships being offered covers 60 per cent of the cost of tuition for year one of the bachelor of education in special education. Students trained as special educators are equipped to teach and work with persons with mild, moderate and severe disabilities. They are also trained to design, administer, and interpret assessment instruments and pursue several careers including educational diagnostician, behaviour interventionist, occupational and speech/language therapist.

Three scholarships, each covering 60 per cent of tuition costs for one year, are being offered to incoming students who are on PATH, to pursue any undergraduate degree. For President of The Mico Dr Asburn Pinnock, Jamaica must find a way to train and retain some of the really promising youngsters so they can play a role in national development.

“As an institution we are doing our part to ensure that their opportunities are not stymied, and that we reduce their vulnerability to involvement in criminal and antisocial activity,” he said.

Student athletes can benefit from full or partial scholarships being offered in the upcoming academic year. To qualify students must demonstrate competence in a sport and should ideally be recommended by a coach. The MICO has an outstanding sport programme with many students and alumni playing on national teams. Currently six Miconians, including team captain Jhaniele Fowler, represent Jamaica as part of the national netball squad, The Sunshine Girls.

The Mico stands on a long tradition of offering scholarships and other financial support to students and many senior educators, school administrators, policy makers, entrepreneurs and innovators have been beneficiaries.

Students should first apply to be a student using a form available at www.themico.edu.jm/apply or call 929-5260. Information will then be made available on the application process for the scholarships.