Approximately 75 students have received a well-needed financial boost from the Jamaica Police Co-operative Credit Union Limited (JPCCU) under the institution’s Annual Scholarship and Awards Programme.

The students, who are pursuing studies at secondary and tertiary levels at institutions across the island, were presented with scholarships and bursaries worth over $1.7 million at an Awards Ceremony held on Tuesday, August 26, at the National Police College of Jamaica.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Glenmore Hinds, in his remarks at the function, congratulated the students on their achievements, while also commending JPCCU for its continued investment in education.

Mr. Hinds shared with the students some statistics regarding individuals earning power based on their level of education and how having a higher education increases one’s bargaining power. He indicated that they now have the choice of using this opportunity to reap greater opportunities. He also pointed out that education encapsulates the definition that one is able to develop intellectual powers of the mind; education makes a person literate in the broadest sense— intellectually, morally, and spiritually. Chairman of the Jamaica Police Co-operative Credit Union Limited, SSP Anthony McLaughlin commended the awardees for demonstrating excellence in their academic pursuits.

He informed the audience of the Credit Union’s commitment of J$3.5 million in assisting the members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and their children who are pursing studies for the 2014/ 2015 academic year. The Scholarship Awards Ceremony is one of the organization’s signature events.

Students at the GSAT level are eligible for the awards not only on the basis of academic achievement, but by also being members of JPCCU through their Smart Savers Account.

The scholarships were presented in three categories this year.These are the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) JPCCU Bursary, valued at $10,000 each, which was presented to 70 children of men and women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force who are also JPCCU Smart Savers Account holders; while one scholarship, valued at $75,000, for five years, was awarded.

Three (3) 1-year Jamaica Police Co-operative Credit Union Scholarship, valued at $165,000 each, were awarded to three (3) students, who performed exceptionally well in their academics, community involvement, demonstrated a financial need and are pursuing a degree at any of the three main universities in Jamaica – University of the West Indies, University of Technology, Jamaica and the Northern Caribbean University.

Additionally, a three- year scholarship, which is worth $450,000 over three years, was awarded to one student also pursuing a degree of choice at any of the three main universities.