BTC says it has topped $360,000 in scholarships since 2023, awarding six students $5,000 annually for four years—an effort meant to back education and future leadership.
BTC has announced a fresh round of education support for Bahamian students, pushing its scholarship total to more than $360,000 since 2023.
The company revealed that six recipients will share an additional $120,000 in awards, with each student set to receive $5,000 per year for four years.. The scholarships were presented on April 24 at BTC’s Perpall Tract Corporate Office, where senior executives, government officials, parents, and students gathered to mark the decision.
A new $120,000 push—and a clearer path to college
For the 2026 scholarship recipients, BTC outlined support across both academic and creative fields, underscoring that the programme is not limited to one kind of career track.. The list includes Clarence Dumene, studying Computer Science at Benedict College; Dominique Newbold, pursuing Music at the University of The Bahamas; Destiny Moss, studying Accounting at the University of The Bahamas; and Nyasha Jones, working toward Biology with Chemistry at the University of The Bahamas.
Other recipients are Shekinah Rolle, studying Accounting at Howard University, and Brittanaya Smith, enrolled in Medicine and Surgery at the University of The West Indies, St.. Augustine Campus.. The annual payments are designed to reduce financial strain during undergraduate study, while the multi-year structure helps students plan beyond a single term.
To remain eligible, recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout the programme—an emphasis on both opportunity and accountability.
How students were chosen, and what BTC says it aims to do
BTC said the selection process was led by its Board of Directors in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Students were assessed on academic performance, leadership qualities, and overall potential.
BTC’s Director of People, Patrice Thompson, framed the scholarships as more than funding.. She said education can remove barriers, create access, and empower young Bahamians to lead, adding that investing in education is ultimately investing in the nation’s future strength.. Deputy Chairman Valentine Grimes echoed that view, describing the initiative as intentional investment in people and a way to help the brightest minds compete and succeed globally.
The Minister of Education, the Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin, also praised the partnership, calling education a key driver of national development.. She noted the scholarships represent opportunity while carrying responsibility, positioning students as contributors to the continued growth of The Bahamas.
The human side: first-time recipient links scholarship to a BTC family
One detail stood out during the presentations: it was the first time, since the scholarship programme began, that a child of a BTC employee received an award. Gregory Rolle, from BTC’s Property, Facilities & Fleet team, was the father of Shekinah Rolle, who was named among the 2026 recipients.
Rolle said he was proud of Shekinah, describing the scholarship as a door opener with a meaningful impact on her future.. That personal connection is the kind of moment that often makes public programmes feel more tangible—because behind the paperwork and criteria are families making long-term decisions around education, work, and aspiration.
Why the investment matters beyond one graduating class
BTC’s latest announcement also fits into a broader pattern.. Since relaunching its scholarship initiative, the company has treated education as a core pillar within its corporate social responsibility strategy, rather than a one-off gesture.. Alongside scholarships, BTC has continued support for initiatives tied to youth achievement and technical training, including Junior Achievement Bahamas and the Technical Cadets Program, as well as annual backing for other education and training efforts.
The company also points to investment further along the pipeline.. BTC continues its Graduate Program, a two-year cross-organizational training effort for recent college graduates.. It says last year, two graduates transitioned into supervisory roles after completing the programme.. On the learning front, employees can access thousands of LinkedIn Learning courses and certifications on demand at no cost.
Taken together, the scholarship awards and other development steps suggest a wider approach: supporting young people before university, helping them once they graduate, and improving skills inside the company.. For a country looking to build sustained local talent, that kind of continuity can matter as much as the individual dollar amounts.
Looking ahead, the success of these scholarships will likely depend on two things: how well students maintain their academic standards over time, and whether programmes like this keep aligning with the skills The Bahamas needs—whether in health, technology, finance, or the arts.. If BTC’s investment continues to grow, the scholarships may become more than a yearly event, turning into a dependable pathway for future leaders.