The Department of Workforce Development has reintroduced a scholarship in the name of pioneering former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith.
Originally, the scholarship was intended for students studying the arts.
“I don’t think many people knew that Dame Jennifer loved to paint,” shared Malika Cartwright, director of the Department.
Now, however, the criteria has changed and is instead awarded to a Bermudian student who has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to public service and community engagement.
“We felt that was a good change for the legacy that Dame Jennifer has had,” Ms Cartwright continued. “As we start to realign our scholarships, we wanted to make sure that there was some sort of connection with people and the funding.”
In her experience, when you connect awards such as scholarships to a name or legacy, it gives the recipients more ownership and pride.
Dame Jennifer enjoyed a glittering political career, during which she led the Progressive Labour Party to its historic first General Election victory in 1998.
Ms Cartwright even has her own connection to Dame Jennifer, having worked with her when she was a Minister.
“For me, personally, it was amazing to see such a strong woman in a leadership role in the community and I definitely appreciated seeing what was possible through her, as a woman and as a leader,” she said.
“Also, to know that you don’t have to be one dimensional in your leadership, or even in what you do. She definitely showed that you can have many talents and interests and still be an amazing leader.”
Like all Workforce Development scholarships, the Dame Jennifer Smith Scholarship is worth $10,000 a year until graduation, and successful scholars must prove they are maintaining their grades in order to keep the scholarship.
The Department checks in with their scholars regularly and if the students are worried about their grades, they offer support to help to get them back on track.
“We are here not just to give you money, but to make sure that you’re successful and part of that success is ensuring that we’re supporting you through your journey in school and then as you enter the workforce when you graduate,” assured Ms Cartwright.
Another transition the DWD has made to all its scholarships is to prioritise applicants studying for careers that are needed in Bermuda. This includes healthcare, hospitality, finance, accounting or a trade such as engineering.
“Those persons who are genuinely looking to come back to Bermuda and utilise their degree and what they’ve learned, to contribute to Bermuda’s economy,” she said.
For the Dame Jennifer Smith scholarship specifically, Ms Cartwright said the committee are looking for students who, like the scholarship’s namesake, demonstrate leadership qualities and are community-focused. To a certain extent, these qualities can be more important than grades.
A grade B student, for example who works hard in school, but also volunteers and is involved in their community, is likely to stand out more than a grade A student who is only focused on their studies and nothing outside of school.
Financial need is also an important consideration: “I don’t believe finances should ever be a reason why someone cannot go to school, to learn,” she emphasised.
“There are many scholarships in the community and I want our young people to know that they should always take advantage of every opportunity there is in order to make their dreams come true if what they want to do is further their education.”
Applications for Department of Workforce Development scholarships open on April 1, 2026, through bermudascholarships.com. The Dame Jennifer Smith Scholarship is one of many offered by the department. It is not a separate application.
