The Association of Bermuda International Companies Education Awards saw an extraordinary spike in applications this year.
In total, 143 Bermudian students applied, up a staggering 60 per cent on 2024, said Malinda Jennings, Abic’s scholarship administrator.
The bumper application haul led to a logistical challenge for Ms Jennings, who organised nine full days of interviews, when 55 students had their chance to shine. The 24 interviewers were representatives of Abic member companies, board members and industry professionals.
Ms Jennings pointed to several possible reasons behind the surge in the number of applicants for the Abic Education Awards, the largest and longest-running private-sector scholarship programme in Bermuda.
One potential booster is the implementation of the PeerForward programme in Bermuda’s public high schools, CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute.
PeerForward is a US organisation that has partnered with the Mirrors Programme, to “leverage the power of peer influence to enhance college preparation and enrolment for all public school S4 students”.
Ms Jennings said other potential drivers of applicant numbers included the increased visibility of the awards through school visits and promotion via the BermudaScholarships.com website and a step up in social media engagement and targeted student outreach.
Additionally, Abic offered two new awards this year — the Adam Prunty Mathematics Award and the Career Shifters Grant — that drove extra interest.
On July 24 at the Abic Education Awards luncheon, a combined $800,000, donated by Abic member companies, was awarded to 28 students to support their undergraduate or post-graduate studies at accredited institutions overseas.
With selection based on a combination of applicants’ financial need and academic excellence, more than 800 scholars — including many who have become leaders in Bermuda’s international business sector — have benefited from the programme during its 48-year history.
Express yourself clearly
When competition for scholarships is so tough, how can applicants gain an edge?
“What really makes an applicant stand out goes beyond just good grades,” Ms Jennings said. “We’re looking for students who have a clear sense of direction — those who know where they’re headed academically and can see how their goals connect to Bermuda’s international business sector.
“Strong communication is key — being able to express yourself clearly, whether in writing or in conversation, makes a big difference.
“We also notice students who show resilience, who’ve faced challenges and grown from them, not just academically but personally.”
Additionally, involvement in the community, leadership roles, or participation in extracurricular activities also shows scholarship committees that students are engaged and well rounded.
“Most of all, it’s about having a strong sense of purpose and the maturity to pursue it. The most memorable applicants are those who can share their journey honestly — and paint a picture of the future they’re working towards,” Ms Jennings said.
This year’s group of Abic Education Awards recipients includes students pursuing degrees in fields relevant to the island’s international business sector, including business, finance, economics, accounting, law, actuarial science and computer science.
In addition to financial support, the Abic scholars benefit from mentorship opportunities and access to a broad professional network in Bermuda.
Jessica Cardoso, head of global insurer Markel’s Bermuda office, was the guest speaker at the uplifting awards ceremony at the Harbourfront Restaurant.
Reflecting on her own experience of leaving Bermuda to gain experience and then returning to work her way up to an executive role at a global company, Ms Cardoso urged the awardees to one day bring their talents home.
“I returned home and sought out opportunities to lead globally — locally,” Ms Cardoso said. “I led teams from Bermuda to London to Singapore, Hong Kong and Sydney. I worked on projects to enter new markets, design new products, and led people around the world, all from Bermuda’s shores.”
Ms Cardoso urged the youngsters to strive to be “not just a product of this island, but a participant in its future”.
She added: “Leadership is not about titles. It’s about service. It’s about making room for others and sometimes creating the room itself. It’s also walking in the world with a spirit of generosity and not entitlement. You’re not just carrying your future. You’re carrying this island’s future, and what a privilege it is to belong.”
