The President’s Scholars Programme (PSP) is a unique four-year scholarship and personal development program designed to identify a limited number of outstanding students in order to foster their intellectual growth, refine their leadership skills and enhance their relationship with The College/University of The Bahamas. The PSP consists of select students with a wide range of beliefs, ideals, and talents who are encouraged to work and learn together. They are united in their commitment to the pursuit of excellence and to the cultivation of their skills for service. As the name of the programme suggests, the President’s Scholars have the benefit of the President as their patron and model.

Students chosen for the President’s Scholars Programme are awarded a full academic scholarship. Family Island and international students who qualify will also receive assistance with room and board in the dormitories. The PSP Scholarship is renewable annually for up to four years if members maintain high academic standards while exercising practical leadership in college activities and the wider community.

PSP applications are carefully reviewed by a small committee and selected individuals are invited to campus for an interview. After the personal interview process has been completed, the names of students are recommended to the President for final approval prior to notification.

Who can apply for the PSP
High school seniors may apply for membership in the PSP. Students are selected on the basis of academic qualifications, proven leadership skills, extra-curricular involvement and recommendations from high school teachers/guidance counselors or principals. Applicants for the PSP should display outstanding leadership capability and potential and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50.

Upon acceptance into the PSP, students begin intensive leadership training from their freshmen year to their senior year. These students must maintain a 3.5 GPA and participate in campus leadership activities. Members of the PSP will
1. attend a leadership retreat before beginning of each fall semester,
2. attend a PLC orientation (new PLC members),
3. be advised by the PSP office,
4. participate in College recruitment exercises,
5. attend leadership workshops and seminars,
6. join at least one campus organization,
7. participate in service learning activities,
8. assist with the College’s programmes and activities,
9. complete a leadership report at the end of each semester,
10. be ambassadors of the University, and
11. meet one hour per week for ongoing leadership training.

2006 RECIPIENTS
PROGRAMME DONORS

First Caribbean Bank

FirstCaribbean is the largest, regionally-listed bank in the English-speaking Caribbean, offering a full range of market-leading financial services in Corporate, Retail, International Wealth Management and Capital Markets banking. The Bank is committed to partnering with communities in the 17 territories in which it operates. An active contributor to Community Relations through the FirstCaribbean International Comtrust Foundation, FirstCaribbean Bank commits to dedicate 1% of its prior year profits (after-tax) to Community Partnership causes each year.

A long-time supporter of scholarships and internships for students attending The College and other institutions, the Bank, in 2003, signed a memorandum of understanding with The College of The Bahamas to establish collaboration in support of regional development and for the mutual benefit of both institutions. One of the products of the relationship has the creation of a technologically advanced learning space for the School of Business at COB.

Bahamas Supermarkets Limited
Bahamas Supermarkets Limited (BSL) is known for being the company that cares. While most may identify them as the neighborhood grocery store, this generous company has awarded more that $7.7 million to students since 1968, offering them a chance of furthering their education with a Bahamas Supermarkets Foundation Scholarship Award.
In 2005, the second consecutive year natural disasters destroyed communities in Grand Bahama leaving behind death and destruction to an island which had not yet recovered from the double blow of Hurricanes Francis and Jeanne in 2004, BSL assisted in bringing relief to those who lost homes, businesses and jobs. They matched SAV-A-CHEKS and provided $10,000 to The Bahamas Red Cross and matched the funds raised by The Salvation Army.

Earlier this year they were singled out by The Salvation Army and were the recipients of the 2006 Salvation Army Community Spirit Awards.

Bahamas Supermarkets Limited operates 12 stores in New Providence and Grand Bahama and employs approximately 700 persons.