KINGSTON, Jamaica – After being on hiatus for a period of six years, GraceKennedy has announced that it is reviving its Jamaican Birthright programme. The programme started in 2004 with the aim of giving second and third generation university students internships at GraceKennedy in Jamaica, exposing them to a diversified Jamaican experience through music, social activities and professional tutelage.
“The programme started in 2004 and was hugely successful. Everyone is excited that it’s coming back, and we’re excited to be doing it again. The response has been great so far,” said Executive Director of the GraceKennedy Foundation, Caroline Mahfood, who has oversight for the project. She continued, “We’re very proud to offer a programme that provides cultural and professional internship geared at highlighting all aspects of Jamaican life, while furthering the career goals of the selected candidates. It will give successful candidates a well-rounded Jamaican experience.”
Applications are open to second and third generation Jamaicans (of Jamaican parentage or or grand parentage) between the ages 18 – 25 years, who have not lived in Jamaica more than six months, and who are seeking an opportunity to learn and explore their Jamaican heritage. They must be pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree and must have a Grade ‘B’ average or higher. Applications will be accepted from September 1 – November 30, 2014, after which four persons – two from the United States and one from the United Kingdom and Canada – will be chosen to receive an all-expenses paid four week trip to Jamaica to participate in the Birthright Programme for 2015. GraceKennedy Limited will host the four university students from July 4 – August 6, 2015, giving them hands-on experience in their chosen career fields.
Application forms are available online at www.gracekennedy.com or can be downloaded from the GraceKennedy Foundation’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gracekennedyfoundation.
OUTLINE OF THE PROGRAMME:
o GraceKennedy will host 4 university students for a one month Internship from July 4 – August 6, 2015
o Candidates must be 2nd/3rd generation Jamaicans who have never lived in Jamaica (‘lived’ – not in Jamaica for a period exceeding 6 months)
o Programme will focus on cultural as well as professional education
SYNOPSIS OF PROGRAMME:
The GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Programme is a cultural and professional internship geared at highlighting all aspects of Jamaican life while furthering the career goals of the selected candidates. It is a programme that will give successful candidates a well-rounded Jamaican experience.
The Internship:
Selected candidates will work in a GraceKennedy subsidiary linked to their field of study, therefore granting them hands on experience in a wide range of industries. This internship will benefit the candidate in a variety of ways, including practical experience and mentorships. GraceKennedy will provide airfare, housing, transportation and stipend for the selected candidate.
The Cultural Component:
Selected candidates will be taken on a variety of weekend programmes, which will expose them to the Jamaican heritage by immersing them in our historic sites, natural and human resources, and of course, our beaches!
HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?
o Candidates must complete an application form
o Along with the application form, candidate will be required to include 2 passport size
photographs, his/her official transcript, and a one-page essay on why he/she would make the ideal candidate for this programme.
o Candidate must be pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree
o Candidate must have a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or above (i.e. a ‘B’ average or higher)
o Candidate must provide proof of Jamaican parentage/grand parentage
o Candidate must be between the ages of 18 to 25 years old
HOW DO INTERESTED STUDENTS ACCESS THE APPLICATION FORM?
o Students may apply online at www.gracekennedy.com or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GraceKennedyFoundation
