JPS invests $22m in back-to-school support across Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) says it has invested approximately $22 million to help students, families and schools across Jamaica prepare for the upcoming 2026–2027 academic year. In a statement on Friday, the company said through the JPS Foundation and partnerships with community organisations, it has provided book vouchers, school supplies, uniform materials, scholarships and grants, direct support to schools, and assistance for community-based back-to-school activities. Director of Corporate Communications at JPS, Winsome Callum, said the investment was designed to address both the immediate and longer-term needs of students. “Back-to-school preparation can place significant pressure on families, particularly when several expenses arise at once,” Callum said. “Our support goes beyond providing supplies. It is about helping students begin the academic year prepared and confident, while ensuring that families and schools receive meaningful support.” Among the communities reached were those in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland that continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa. JPS indicated that schools receiving support included Parottee Primary, Black River High, Lacovia Primary, Lewisville High, Roger Clarke High, New Works Primary school, Darliston Primary, Godfrey Stewart High, New Hope Primary, Kings Primary and Belmont High. Students and parents from the schools participated in sessions designed to help them prepare for transitions into first form, sixth form and tertiary education. The sessions offered motivational, emotional and psychosocial guidance. Support also reached communities in Kingston and St Catherine through back-to-school fairs and treats. In Waterhouse, children and families enjoyed an afternoon of games, entertainment and ice cream on Sunday, August 30, while students recognised for their academic performance received backpacks and bookstore vouchers. JPS also supported the St Catherine South East back-to-school health fair. Scholarships and grants accounted for approximately $11 million of the overall investment. Through its Power Up Scholarship Programme, the JPS Foundation awarded 25 new scholarships and grants and renewed 16 existing scholarships for students transitioning to high school and pursuing tertiary and teacher-training programmes. “The needs are not the same in every community, so our support cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach,” Callum added. “Whether a student needs supplies, guidance through an important transition or financial support to continue their education, our aim is to provide assistance that is practical and relevant.”