In celebration of its 80th year of service to communities across Belize, St. John’s Credit Union (SJCU) has launched a landmark expansion of its education support program, awarding four-year full high school scholarships to a record-breaking group of four local students—the largest cohort of recipients in the initiative’s history.
The multi-year scholarships are designed to remove financial barriers for talented young learners who demonstrate strong academic potential, significant unmet financial need, and clear commitment to advancing their long-term personal and career goals. Unlike many one-time education grants, this program covers all costs associated with four years of high school, extending far beyond basic tuition to ensure recipients have every resource needed to thrive.
Shanelle Reneau, Chief Executive Officer of SJCU, explained the expanded scope of the 2024 scholarship program in a recent broadcast interview. “This year, we increased the total number of awards significantly,” Reneau said. “Each student receives $1,700 that is paid directly to their high school to cover full tuition. On top of that, we provide all required school supplies, and add targeted academic support when it’s needed. If a recipient struggles with any subject, we arrange free tutoring to help them get back on track. Our whole goal is to set these students up for the highest possible chance of success throughout their entire high school journey.”
For the awardees, the scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity to pursue their ambitions without financial strain. Prince Perez, one of the 2026 recipients, shared his excitement and gratitude for the award, saying, “I am really happy and really grateful for getting this award. I hope I get to make my parents, myself, and everyone proud.” When asked about his future career aspirations, Perez explained he plans to build a career working with Belize’s iconic marine environment, following in the footsteps of his family. “I like science and IT. And in the future I wanted to be a marine tour guide. I saw a lot of my family members do it, like my grandfather, my uncles, and some of my aunties. But I like to be like them ’cause I love the ocean and marine life.”
Fellow recipient Ivan Mendez noted that the award has already shaped his approach to his education, pushing him to maintain high academic standards and engage more deeply with his learning. “It has helped me mold myself into always keeping those grades and involving myself more in my education,” Mendez said. For future applicants considering applying for the program next year, Mendez offered simple, encouraging advice: “Just keep your grades up and apply to any scholarship that is available to you. No matter what all you need to do, just apply and maybe just believe that you will be accepted.”
SJCU officials emphasized that the expanded scholarship program aligns with the credit union’s core mission, which has centered on supporting members and strengthening local communities through access to opportunity since its founding 80 years ago. Recipients were reminded that the award is both a valuable opportunity and a responsibility to continue striving for academic and personal excellence throughout their high school careers.
The scholarship initiative is just one part of SJCU’s 80th anniversary celebrations, which will take place this November. The organization has planned a full slate of community-focused events to mark the milestone, alongside highlighting its new facility, upgraded member services, and ongoing commitment to growing its impact and serving the Belizean community more effectively in the decades ahead.
This report is adapted from a transcript of an evening television news broadcast.