SPISE 2017: Two scholars sponsored by ECCB for Caribbean Science Foundation Program

OECS Media Release

Friday, June 30, 2017 — This year, twenty-five students have been selected to participate in SPISE (Student Program for Innovation in Science and Engineering).

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, as one of the official sponsors, has enabled two students - Jason Phillip and Rol-J Williams to enroll in the training program in Barbados in July:

SPISE is implemented by the Caribbean Science Foundation. Since 2012, it fosters outstanding Caribbean students from 16 to 19 years old passionately interested in Science to expand their talent joining a 4-week intensive summer program.

The next Program will start this month in Barbados. It consists of a full immersion in university-level courses in various disciplines such as calculus, physics, biochemistry but also renewable energy, computer programming and Mandarin. Selected students will benefit from unique mentorship to prepare applications to Ivy League U.S. universities, internships and build financial aid strategy.

This year, fifty-eight students applied to the program and twenty-five received scholarships. Among them are Jason Phillip and Rol-J William, nationals from Grenada and St. Kitts and Nevis.

"I am only the 3rd person from St. Kitts and Nevis to be accepted to
SPISE. I am very excited to have that opportunity because this is a prestigious program recognized in the Caribbean and worldwide. It is also closely linked to a similar program at the MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology and affiliated with U.W.I. to which I look forward to applying. I believe it will add value to my record and will certainly give me an advantage in terms of ease of admission" said Rol-J.

Rol-J also intends to start a Science club at his college to encourage more students to apply to SPISE. After university, he aspires to start his career in biochemistry and molecular biology.

The participation of both students has been made possible thanks to Eastern Caribbean Central Bank funding. The cost per student is US$ 6.000. Overall, eighty-five students have had the opportunity to take part of SPISE from 2012 to 2016 since the program was implemented.

In recognition of the increasing importance of science based careers, The Caribbean Science Foundation would like to encourage more applicants for future Program intakes.