UWIDEF provides $1.15m in scholarships and bursaries

EVEN in tough economic times, the power of collective action remains unstoppable, chairman of The University of the West Indies Development and Endowment Fund (UWIDEF), Dr Sterling Frost believes.

As evidence of this, Frost noted that UWIDEF distributed 203 scholarships and bursaries, amounting to $1.15 million in financial aid for deserving students.

He described it as a “record-breaking milestone” in the fund’s history.

And Frost said the fund is seeking to do even more next year with the introduction of the “UWIDEF Lifeline Grant” to provide immediate assistance to students facing unexpected crises during the academic year.

“At its core, UWIDEF was created to transform lives through education. For over 30 years, we’ve worked to ensure that no student is denied access to higher education due to financial constraints. Our mission is deeply rooted in the belief that education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. It’s a pathway to innovation, a driver of economic growth and a tool to break cycles of poverty,” Frost said.

“Thousands of students have benefitted from our scholarships and bursaries, and many of them are now leaders, innovators and change makers in their communities across the Caribbean. This legacy of empowerment and opportunity is what keeps us steadfast in our efforts, despite the financial challenges we face,” he said.

But even with decades of experience, the challenge has been tough in today’s economic climate, Frost admitted.

“This year was a testament to the power of perseverance and generosity,” he said.

“The current financial landscape has been a true test of resilience, creativity and community spirit. Shrinking corporate budgets and donor constraints meant we had to think differently. Instead of viewing these hurdles as setbacks, we saw them as opportunities to innovate. This year, we hosted three key fundraising events, each carefully designed to unite our supporters and reinforce the shared commitment to education. These events reminded us that while economic challenges can limit resources, they cannot diminish the power of collective action,” he said.

Frost said the first of the three events was Ignite, a Palm Sunday concert held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA).

“It was an electrifying celebration of the synergy between education, culture and the arts. We brought together talented groups and individuals from across Trinidad and Tobago to show how the arts can inspire, uplift and support education,” he said.

“Next was our annual Garden Party, a more intimate event that fostered direct connections with our supporters. This gathering was a reminder that every contribution, no matter how modest, can make a difference in a student’s life.

“Lastly, our signature Charity Golf Tournament showcased the dedication of our participants and sponsors. This event has become a hallmark of our fundraising efforts, reflecting the extraordinary things we can achieve when we come together for a common cause,” he said.

As a result of the funds raised from the three events, Frost said UWIDEF was able to distribute 203 scholarships and bursaries, amounting to $1.15 million in financial aid.

“We doubled the number of postgraduate awards, recognizing the vital role advanced education plays in innovation, research and regional progress. Postgraduate students face unique financial challenges, and increasing our support for them is an investment in the future leaders and visionaries of our region,” Frost said.

“We also expanded our support for first-year students. Transitioning to university life can be overwhelming, both financially and emotionally. These awards provide stability and confidence to help students succeed from the very beginning of their academic journey,” he said.

Frost said every scholarship and bursary that UWIDEF provides is a symbol of hope and a step toward a brighter future, not just for the students but for their families and communities as well.

“To the recipients of our scholarships and bursaries, I offer my heartfelt congratulations. Your determination, resilience and commitment to your dreams inspire us all. These awards are not merely financial assistance, they reflect their immense potential and our belief in their ability to achieve greatness,” he said.

“This is their moment to seize the opportunities before them. Pursue excellence, not just for personal success but to uplift those around you. Education is a gift that grows in value when shared. One day, I hope they also will be inspired to “pay it forward” and help the next generation, just as they have been supported,” Frost said.

Frost said for 2025 UWIDEF has “ambitious plans.”

“One of our key initiatives is a campaign to expand our community of supporters. We aim to inspire alumni, corporate partners and well-wishers to join us in our mission. Even small contributions, when combined, can have a profound impact.

“We are also introducing the UWIDEF Lifeline Grant. This new initiative which will provide immediate assistance to students facing unexpected crises during the academic year, such as housing or food challenges. These grants will ensure that temporary hardships don’t derail students’ educational journeys,” Frost said.

Frost said while these efforts may be ambitious, he believes they are necessary as they provide “the human thoughtfulness to this generation.”

“With the unwavering support of our community, I’m confident we’ll achieve them,” Frost said.

“The beauty of generosity is that it doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Every act of giving—whether time, money or advocacy—creates ripples of change. When we lift one student, we uplift entire families, communities and ultimately nations,” he said.