Sun | Sep 21, 2025

N.C.B. Foundation expands CSEC bursary to CAPE Computer Science

Published:Thursday | March 21, 2024 | 3:24 PM
Hector Stephenson, Executive Director of the Overseas Examinations Commission (right), at the launch of the 2024 NCB CSEC/CAPE Bursary with students from DeCarteret College in Manchester (from left Kenrick Wood, Shawenecia Morgan and Sydonie Gray. - Contributed photo.

Students pursuing Computer Science at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) level can now benefit from a bursary from the N.C.B. Foundation under its Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) programme.

The announcement was made today at the launch of the 2024 programme.

The foundation says the move is part of its thrust to support the development of digital skills in Jamaica.

"By investing in Computer Science education, we are equipping our students with advanced skills to thrive in a digital and technology-driven world," said Sheree Martin, CEO of N.C.B. Foundation.

“As the global economy becomes increasingly reliant on technology, N.C.B. Foundation's focus on the development of digital skills positions Jamaican students to be at the forefront of innovation, job creation and the creation of an employable talent pool,” added Martin.

Minister of Education Fayval William, speaking at the launch, welcomed the move.

“Education is a collective effort, requiring collaboration between government, private sector partners, educators, and students themselves. It is heartening to witness the positive impact that such partnerships can have on our educational landscape,” said Williams.

“I commend the N.C.B. Foundation for your commitment to promoting access to quality education for all students. By investing in programmes that reduce financial barriers to academic advancement, we move closer to a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape,” Williams added.

The foundation head noted that the organisation is seeking to ensure that Jamaican students are not just participants, but future leaders in the digital economy.

“We have seen the potential of this space, and the new opportunities that are presented each day. So, our commitment is to foster a generation that is well-versed in digital literacy, and equipped with the skills needed to build and generate wealth for themselves and their families through the digital economy,” said Martin.

Started in 2003, N.C.B. Foundation's CXC bursary initially covered the fees for students sitting examinations for Principles of Business and Principles of Accounts.

In 2019, the foundation shifted its focus to digital, with a goal to support the expansion of the pool of digital producers in Jamaica.

This move led to the bursary being redirected to students sitting Information Technology (IT) exams at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) level.

To date, N.C.B. Foundation has invested over $243 million in its CXC bursary, facilitating over 113,000 examination sittings for Jamaican students in both public and private institutions.

This year, $8.7 million is expected to cover the fees for over 1,600 exam sittings for students in 43 schools across Jamaica, starting in May.

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