TDC continues its commitment to Educational Advancement
Basseterre, St. Kitts– The TDC Group of Companies continues its commitment to educational advancement in the Federation, through the Michael L. King Scholarship Grant.
The programme is named after the Company’s second chairman, a staunch advocate for education and was introduced in 2007, and provides annually financial support to Kittitians and Nevisians pursing higher education at the undergraduate, Masters and Doctorate levels.
The award is open to citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis (but not to employees of the TDC Group or its related Companies), who are normally resident in the Federation and return after completion of their course of study.
It is intended to assist students who are desirous of undertaking full time University studies, which include, but are not limited to, Agriculture, Architecture, Accounting, Business Management, Construction Management, Economics, Engineering, Information Technology, and Pharmacology.
Applicants are required to maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher and must demonstrate exemplary scholarship to receive a one-time disbursement of five thousand (US$5,000) dollars or thirteen thousand five hundred dollars (EC$13,500) for one (1) calendar year.
This year, three (3) awards were presented to Ms. Camech Emanuel, (Undergrauate: Accounting, University of North Alabama), Mr. Stephon Duggins (Undergraduate: Sports/Entertainment and Events Management, Johnson and Wales University) and Mr. Stedroy Brand, (Undergraduate: Architectural Technology, New York City College of Technology) at a ceremony held in mid July.
The programme has also come in for high praise from past and present recipients who expressed their appreciation to the Group for helping them to achieve success in their chosen field of endeavour.
Mr. Calvin Duggins, a 2013 recipient, who is now an Economist and studied at the University of the West Indies (St. Augustine) Campus, in his own words, stated, “I commend TDC for introducing this programme. I understand how dollars and cents work and this grant has definitely helped me at a time when my finances were very low. I was even given guidance as to how best to use it. TDC must be applauded for introducing such a venture.”
Mr. Stephon Duggins, a 2014 recipient, spoke of his delight in being awarded the scholarship to further his studies at the Johnson and Wales University in Florida.
“I never won a scholarship before. I feel honoured to be recognised and humbled to receive the support of one the leading companies in our Federation. I will now be in a better position to get my Bachelor’s Degree and return to St. Kitts to make a significant input into the Tourism, Hospitality and Events industry. I look forward with excitement to return to the island to promote what our country has to offer not just to locals but the Region and the world at large,” said Duggins.
Now in its seventh year, over three hundred and seventy eight thousand dollars (EC$378,000) has been distributed with twenty-four (24) nationals benefitting and are all gainfully employed across the Federation, each making their own contribution to National development in the areas of Investment, Hospitality and Tourism, International Relations, and Education.