On a Tuesday in 2026, the National Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) held its annual scholarship award ceremony at the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) building in the capital city of Roseau, formally honoring 19 local secondary school students selected as the latest recipients of its youth education support initiative.
First established back in 2010, the NCCU scholarship program has grown into a cornerstone of the financial cooperative’s community outreach work, centered on expanding educational access, uplifting young Dominicans, and nurturing the next generation of leaders that will shape the island nation’s future. Over the 16 years since its launch, the program has disbursed awards to more than 240 students across the country, a track record that underscores NCCU’s long-standing commitment to investing in Dominican youth.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, NCCU allocated a total of $146,228.80 to fund its full slate of scholarship programming. Unlike many targeted awards that only support new students, the initiative extends financial assistance to both first-time recipients and returning scholars currently enrolled in secondary schools across the entire island.
Program administrators designed the scholarship package to directly ease the heavy financial burden that secondary education places on Dominican families, covering a range of common and often costly educational expenses. Recipients can access up to $700 to cover the cost of required textbooks and essential school supplies. Uniform allowances are also provided, with first-year students receiving $500 and continuing scholars eligible for $300. Eligible students also get monthly transportation stipends that range between $50 and $100, depending on individual travel needs. The support even covers mandatory school fees and examination costs for key regional certifications, including the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC).
In a move that expands the program’s impact beyond formal awardees, NCCU also opens its existing inventory of textbooks and school supplies to all students, regardless of whether their family holds membership with the credit union or if they have been selected as official scholarship recipients. This additional outreach ensures that more low-income households can access the resources they need to keep students in school.
The 19 students recognized as 2026 scholarship recipients are: Grace Destiny St. Ville, Jewel Ayanna Samuel, Caleb Ron George, Shanaya Elisha Lewis, Kylan Aguero Kenrick Prince Francis, Rivaldo Justin Charles, Christiano Julio Leonardo St Fleur, Na-hyme Nelson, Zion St. Hilaire, Marlon Marley Francis, Zaila Yannicka Joseph, Hordane Joseph, Samara Samai Charles, Casity Demeara Devine Casimir, Ajahni Jefferson Trevon Cockrane, Lorenzo Rhael Hector, Ellianna Kieanna Blandford, Sharian Etienne, and Akiva Serena Elizee.