Four young Caymanians are pursuing their tertiary education overseas in the upcoming months, thanks to the support of the Insurance Managers Association of Cayman (IMAC).
Kimberly Tatum; Isaiah Robinson; Lacee Barnes; and Jake Bennett each received IMAC’s Scholarship this year. The students will be studying at the University of York; Cardiff University; the University of Texas; and the Florida Institute of Technology, respectively.
The scholarship offers up to US $40,000 per annum to budding students. Contributions are derived from IMAC, the individual insurance management firms, the captive insurance companies, and proceeds from the annual Cayman Captive Forum.
Over 20 years old, the IMAC Scholarship has raised over $3.4 million and currently supports 15 students in full-time education overseas.
Ms Tatum, who has been admitted to study Psychology in Education, voiced her gratitude: “I cannot express how thankful I am. I look forward to making everyone proud; both my community and the scholarship committee.”
Mr Robinson is studying Computer Science, and hopes to provide secure IT systems in the future: “To be an actual recipient of the scholarship is a great honour. I get to represent an excellent organisation that supports aspiring young people.”
Applications for the IMAC Scholarship are considered for any course of study at an accredited university, and open at the end of March each year.
Communications student Ms Barnes praised the fund’s inclusion of all career fields: “IMAC takes an interest in versatile students such as myself, and they truly do have a great support system.”
“My dream is to be a professional athlete for my country,” she added. “I would also like to open a sports academy in Cayman, giving young athletes opportunities to travel, compete and learn about sports in business.”
Mr Bennett, an aspiring pilot, will study Aviation Management with Flight in January 2018.
“In my spare time I enjoy plane spotting and flying on my flight simulator,” said Mr Bennett. “To me, being awarded the IMAC scholarship is proof that I can achieve any goal I set for myself through hard work, determination, and by simply being myself.”
To date, the scholarship has assisted 42 students, and regularly checks in on its past recipients.
Camille Angel graduated from Stetson University in 2013, and received the IMAC scholarship in 2009. She now works with the Cayman Islands Government’s Youth Services Unit.
Ms Angel commended IMAC for their ongoing support of Cayman’s students: "IMAC helped me pursue my goal of working in marketing and corporate communications. I am now a youth officer and I use my skills to share young people's achievements within our community. I am so grateful for the support of the scholarship fund and all that it does to help its students discover meaningful careers."
IMAC Chair of Education, Colin Robinson expressed his pride in the students: “The IMAC Educational Scholarship Fund is pleased to provide scholarships to another exceptional group of Caymanian students. This year’s group highlights the diversity of skills and interests that our future leaders will use to propel us to greater heights. On behalf of IMAC, I would like to extend our congratulations to Kimberly, Isaiah, Lacee and Jake.”