Background Information

The Tertiary Grant seeks to provide financial assistance to students experiencing financial challenges to continue or pursue their Associate of Arts Degree (AA) in Music or the Bachelor of Music Education (BME) at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College Enrolled awarded by the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts – School of Music (SoM)

• The total benefit to be given to a student will not exceed $200,000.00 in value for any given academic year.

The Application Process

• Applications must be thoroughly completed. Incomplete applications will NOT be processed.
• Personal documents (copy of ID, copy of TRN) must be certified as true copy of original by a Justice of the Peace, Minister of Religion or Attorney- at- Law.

Supporting Documents

• Copy of Student ID or acceptance letter
• Recent transcript or progress report
• Proof of financial need (e.g., parent/guardian income statement, letter explaining financial hardship)
• Letter of recommendation for grant award (from either of the following: music teacher, pastor, justice of the peace)

Personal Statement

• A brief essay (250–500 words) explaining:
• Why you chose to pursue music education/performance.
• How this grant will help you achieve your academic and career goals.
• Your contributions to the music programme and future plans in the field.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to benefit from ATOCIL Tertiary Grant, an applicant MUST be:

• A Jamaican national who has resided in Jamaica continuously for no less than three consecutive years prior to the commencement of the programme of study. This student must have been born in Jamaica or born overseas to Jamaican parent(s) or have been naturalized. (Students living in Jamaica holding a student visa are NOT eligible.
• A registered FULL – TIME student (must be engaged in face-to-face teaching programme offering not less than 450 contact hours per year or a minimum of 30 credits per year – one credit point being equivalent to 15 contact hours);
• Registered at the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College and enrolled in the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts – School of Music programmes completing either the Associate of Arts Degree in Music or the Bachelor of Music Education.
• Must maintain a satisfactory academic record. Students applying for grants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for funding.
• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Must be in good disciplinary standing with the college.
• Must be actively involved in at least one (1) community / school music programme as a performer, instructor or mentor (verification required)

Returning tertiary students:

• Completed application form
• Transcript or Academic Progress Report (not older than 3 months)
• Status/Tuition Letter (no older than 3 months)
• Proof of financial need
• Letter of recommendation for grant award

New applicants:

• Completed application form
• Acceptance Letter
• Status/Tuition Letter (no older than 3 months)
• Proof of financial need
• Letter of recommendation for grant award

Supporting documents are to be submitted when making the application, except for transcripts and tuition fee letters that may be presented at interview if shortlisted.
Applications for grants will be accepted between March 1st and April 10th of each calendar year.