A newly established non-profit organization led by Bahamian expatriates has announced a significant scholarship initiative aimed at supporting students from The Bahamas pursuing higher education overseas. The Tydal Foundation, co-founded by Tyrone Ferguson and Dale Allen, will award three academic grants totaling $15,000 for the 2026 academic year.
The foundation represents the culmination of years of planning between Ferguson and Allen, both Bahamian natives now residing in Canada, who sought meaningful ways to contribute to their homeland’s development. Their personal professional backgrounds directly influenced the selected fields of study: finance, technology, and arts.
Ferguson, an accounting professional, explained the rationale behind their focus areas: “These three disciplines emerged from our combined expertise and passions. My background in accounting naturally led to including finance, while Dale’s career as a software developer brought technology to the forefront. Our shared appreciation for the arts, influenced by my father’s artistic career and Dale’s participation in art exhibitions, completed the triad.”
The foundation has assembled an impressive board of directors featuring prominent figures in their respective fields: Naro Zimmerman from JTC’s Private Client Services group, technology expert Mark Hammerton, and financial executive Gary Lewis of Commonwealth Brewery Ltd.
Beyond financial support, the Tydal Foundation promises comprehensive development opportunities for scholarship recipients. The program includes structured networking events, career acceleration initiatives, and holistic wellness support encompassing physical fitness and mental health resources.
“Our vision extends beyond monetary assistance,” Ferguson emphasized. “We’re building lifelong partnerships through mentorship and professional development programs designed to cultivate the next generation of Bahamian leaders.”
Prospective applicants must maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA and demonstrate acceptance into a four-year undergraduate program or specialized two-year diploma in the designated fields. The application portal is available through the foundation’s website at www.tydalfoundation.org/apply, with a submission deadline of April 19th.