National Rums of Jamaica (NRJ) Foundation has announced the winners of its inaugural tertiary scholarships for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students.

At a handover ceremony at NRJ head offices last Friday, the charity announced Anushca Hurst and D’Mario Johnson as this year’s recipients.

Hurst is studying chemistry at The University of the West Indies, Mona, while Johnson is a mechanical engineering student at the University of Technology, Jamaica.

They have been awarded $500,000 each towards their tuition fees and other school-related expenses for the 2024/2025 academic year.

The foundation emphasised that this scholarship demonstrates its commitment to driving social change by investing in STEM education, and in particular, giving back to the communities in which it operates, including St Catherine where both Hurst and Johnson are residents.

During the awards presentation, chairperson of the board of NRJ Foundation, Martha Miller, lauded the pair of aspiring scientists for their excellent academic performances and dedication to improving their communities.

“These bright young Jamaicans have not only excelled in their academic pursuits but have also shown remarkable ambition, vision, and determination to give back to their country,” said Miller.

She pointed out that Hurst was a standout candidate, having laid the base for a charitable future by spreading her love for chemistry by teaching in her hometown of Spanish Town.

Miller added that the way Johnson expressed his passion for problem solving and creating new products was impressive.

In the meantime, Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams, who was in attendance at the handover ceremony, congratulated the students and commended the foundation for offering the scholarship.

“The ministry is pleased with this investment in our young people and in science- and maths-related subjects. This is the direction we want to continue to take our bright young minds in,” said Williams.

The NRJ Foundation scholarship will be awarded annually to high-performing STEM students who live in Clarendon, St Catherine, and Trelawny, where NRJ currently operates.