KINGSTON, Jamaica — At a recent launch event for the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation’s 2026 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) national bursary programme, a student leader summed up the life-changing impact of the initiative for thousands of Jamaican learners. Oneish Shaw, deputy head boy of Tarrant High School, emphasized that for young people who once lived in uncertainty over whether their families could cover the cost of extra exam subjects, this financial support delivers both profound relief and powerful new motivation.
Shaw’s framing cuts to the core of what the programme delivers: access. For hundreds of low-income Jamaican students, CSEC exam fees have long acted as an arbitrary barrier to academic and professional advancement. Without financial support, capable learners are forced to cut back on the number of subjects they sit, limiting their future education and career options. The bursary eliminates this barrier, covering the cost of exams so students can take all the credits they need to progress.
In 2026, the NCB Foundation is scaling up its commitment to this work, earmarking a total of J$15.9 million to cover CSEC exam fees for 3,183 students across 36 Jamaican secondary schools. This marks a notable expansion from 2025, when the initiative served students at just 26 institutions. NCB Foundation leadership notes the expansion is an intentional response to rising unmet demand across the island, designed to extend opportunity to more deserving learners.
Perrin Gayle, chief executive officer of NCB Foundation, explained that the bursary programme targets a persistent, often overlooked barrier that holds back even the most capable Jamaican students. “Too many students are forced to make difficult choices about which subjects they can afford to sit. This programme ensures that more of them can complete their exams without that pressure and move forward with confidence,” Gayle said during the presentation ceremony.
To align the initiative with Jamaica’s long-term economic goals, the bursary programme prioritizes coverage for high-demand fields including information technology, business principles, and accounting principles. This strategic focus helps build a pipeline of skilled workers prepared to contribute to the country’s growing, technology-driven economy.
The programme operates in partnership with key Jamaican public sector institutions: the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information leads the process of identifying eligible students in need of support, while the Overseas Examinations Commission handles national exam administration. School leaders and classroom teachers were also recognized at the launch for their critical work guiding students through challenging subject material and helping them maximize the opportunity the bursary provides.
Shaw stressed that the impact of the investment extends far beyond the exam hall. “You aren’t just paying for exams; you are supporting the digital architects and business leaders of tomorrow,” he said. For the students served by the programme, the bursary does not just cover a fee—it transforms a future of limitation into one of full of possibility.
In response to the support, Shaw shared that students will honor the foundation’s investment through hard work: “We will honour this support by working hard, sitting our exams with pride, and contributing to Jamaica’s future.”
The 2026 CSEC bursary is just one part of NCB Foundation’s broader portfolio of education and community initiatives across Jamaica. The organization also runs an annual scholarship and grant programme, an adopt-a-school project, and other community-focused efforts. To date, the foundation has invested more than J$2 billion in education and community development across the country, working to expand access to opportunity, strengthen educational institutions, and build the systems that help all Jamaican students reach their potential.