BPWCCUL | Scholarships & Grants

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All applications for awards, scholarships, and educational grants
are submitted online only.

Disclosure and Promotion of Award Recipients

By accepting an award, recipients and/or their legal guardians consent to the use of their name, likeness, and award details for promotional purposes. The Credit Union may publicly share awardees’ names and achievements via press releases, social media, websites, or other promotional materials. Award recipients may also be contacted for interviews or participation in promotional activities related to the award.

Annual Academic Awards, Scholarships & General Educational Grants

The Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited supports the personal and academic development of its members through a range of annual academic awards, scholarships and tertiary level grants.

1. Annual Academic Awards

These awards recognize outstanding academic achievements in the following:

Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (11+) – Top 10 boys and top 10 girls (Thrift Club Members) who submit their exam results.
Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) – Top 20 students who meet criteria: at least seven certificates, minimum of four Grade 1 passes and three Grade 2 passes over no more than two consecutive examination years.
Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) – Top 10 students with a minimum of five certificates (Grades 1–3) over two consecutive years, completing both units one and two where required.
Barbados Government Scholarships and Exhibitions – Awarded to members who receive government scholarships or exhibitions in the current year, with written confirmation from the Ministry of Education.

Eligibility:

Membership must have been held for at least 24 months as of May 31 of the award year.
Minimum account savings (including permanent shares) as of May 31 of the award year.

Note: Submission deadlines vary – check our website and social media pages for details.

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2. Scholarships

The Credit Union administers several scholarship programmes:

Ralph Boyce Memorial Scholarships – University of the West Indies (two awards locally or regionally)

H. Delisle Hurley Memorial Scholarship – Barbados Community College (four awards annually); open to all ages pursuing technical, vocational, or applied studies.

Verta Coppin Memorial Scholarship –Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technical and Vocational Education (four awards annually); open to all ages pursuing technical and vocational studies.

Overcomer Scholarships – Local secondary school leavers (three awards per academic year).

Sports and Arts Achievement Scholarships – Members demonstrating exceptional achievement in sports or the arts (two awards annually).

Overcomer Scholarships

Value: $2,000, $4,000 and $6,000

Recognizes students who have overcome academic, socioeconomic, or physical challenges, demonstrating determination and discipline.

Eligibility:

Demonstrate potential for continued success with the right opportunities.
Intend to pursue tertiary-level studies immediately after secondary school.
Applicable for local studies only (certificates, associate degrees, or diplomas).
Admission to the chosen institution (full-time or part-time) is required.

Sports and Arts Achievement Scholarships

Value: $2,000 each (two awards annually)

Recognizes students who excel in or contribute significantly to sports or arts at the national level or higher.

Eligibility:

Credit Union member of any age.

Funds must be used for the advancement of the sport or art.

Required Documents:

Statement of achievements endorsed by a coach or qualified tutor.

Evidence of sports or arts accomplishments.

*Special conditions apply. Applications will be assessed according to the established criteria.

Ralph Boyce Memorial Scholarships – UWI

Eligibility:

Two Barbadian nationals admitted to UWI for a first-degree programme.
Ages 16–25, full-time students, good financial standing (minimum savings of BDS$300 for at least 3 years).
Awarded based on academic merit and financial need.

Award Details:

BDS$7,500 for Cave Hill Campus; BDS$9,000 for other campuses.
Paid over three or four years, contingent on GPA ≥3.3 (B+ average).
Good conduct and satisfactory academic progress required.

Application: The BPWCCUL-sponsored Ralph Boyce Memorial Scholarship is administered by the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. Applicants should consult UWI Cave Hill for the scholarship submission period and deadlines.

Note: Applications are submitted directly to UWI Cave Hill, not to the Credit Union.

Technical, Vocational, and Applied Studies Scholarships

Scholarships Available:

H. Delisle Hurley Memorial Scholarship (BCC) – 4 awards annually
Verta Coppin Memorial Scholarship (SJPI) – 4 awards annually

Eligibility:

Students pursuing full-time or part-time technical or vocational programmes at BCC or SJPI.

Award Values:

One 1-year programme: BDS$1,500
Two 2-year programmes: BDS$2,000 each
One 2-year programme: BDS$2,500

Requirements:

Personal statement (max 500 words) outlining need and potential benefit to the Credit Union.
Academic or professional reference letter.
Confirmation of enrollment, conduct, and academic performance prior to disbursement.
Minimum GPA: 2.0 (BCC), 3.0 (SJPI); 80% attendance; adherence to Code of Conduct.
Scholarships may be withdrawn for plagiarism, cheating, or non-compliance.

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3. General Educational Grants

Eligibility:

Must have been a member for at least 1 year prior to applying.

Priority Areas of Study:

Certificate, diploma, or first-degree level.
Second degrees, postgraduate, master’s, and professional qualifications may be considered at the Committee’s discretion after undergraduate requests are met.

Funding Guidelines:

Members are encouraged to explore loan financing first (e.g., BPWCCUL Student Loan Facility).
Grants primarily address shortfalls; typically, do not exceed BDS$3,000 per individual, per semester.
Members must be in good standing and maintain minimum savings of $250–$500.
Include a personal statement explaining financial need; interviews may be required.
Only current semester expenses are eligible; grants are not provided for re-sit exams, summer school, or refunds.

Payment Conditions:

Tuition for UWI Cave Hill or BCC students will be paid directly to institutions.
Other educational expenses require supporting documentation.
Members deferring or deregistering must notify the Credit Union immediately.
Recipients are accountable for proper use of funds; proof of use is required for future assistance.

Application Requirements:

Completed online Educational Grant Application Form
Personal statement/letter explaining financial need
Letter of Acceptance (for new students)
Current transcript (for continuing students)
Supporting documents: fee schedules, book lists, invoices, etc.

Application Deadlines:

First Review: July – September
Second Review: December – January
Check website and social media for exact dates; late applications are considered only in extenuating circumstances.

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