KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a remarkable demonstration of youth innovation, two fifth-form students from Kingston Technical High School have claimed victory in Project STAR’s inaugural Business Pitch Competition. Jason Campbell and Nakeida Williamson captivated judges with their visionary proposal for EduConnect Centre, a comprehensive digital hub designed to bridge the technology gap for students.
The winning concept addresses critical educational barriers by providing reliable internet connectivity, access to computing devices, printing services, and academic support for School Based Assessments. The initiative directly responds to the digital divide that frequently impedes academic achievement among Jamaican youth.
Campbell revealed the project’s origins in personal experience: ‘Our proposal emerged from daily academic struggles. Many students lack basic technological resources—some don’t even own phones—and must depend on unreliable assistance. We’re creating a sustainable solution to improve educational outcomes.’
Williamson emphasized the broader transformative potential: ‘Technical schools often face negative stereotypes. Through EduConnect Centre, we aim to enhance our institution’s reputation while helping students excel in Caribbean Secondary Education exams and vocational certifications. This victory validates our commitment to educational improvement.’
The achievement proved particularly impressive given competition-day challenges, including technical difficulties and the unexpected withdrawal of a team member. Despite these obstacles, the duo’s compelling presentation and strategic vision secured top honors.
As champions, each student received $25,000 in prize money, while the school was awarded a $100,000 implementation grant from Project STAR. The total startup costs are estimated at $48,000, with existing school infrastructure providing additional support.
Both students view the experience as career-defining. Campbell anticipates pursuing real estate with renewed confidence, while Williamson aims to become a serial entrepreneur. Both intend to invest their winnings in future aspirations.
Project STAR organizers celebrated the students’ innovative thinking and perseverance. Education Coordinator Myshka Allen noted: ‘We designed this initiative to provide practical, enduring skills aligned with business curriculum principles. These students demonstrated exceptional creativity in translating classroom knowledge into actionable solutions.’
The competition culminated weeks of intensive training through business simulation bootcamps that equipped 75 participants with entrepreneurship skills, career readiness strategies, and professional development tools. Project STAR remains committed to supporting the actual implementation of EduConnect Centre as a sustainable school resource.