Applications open for UWC places worldwide

CNS Editor | 18/01/2017

Students at Li Po Chun United World College in Hong Kong, including Cayman’s Chanelle Scott, celebrate UWC Day last year

(CNS Local Life): UWC Cayman Islands, the local national committee of the global educational movement, is seeking candidates for its 2017 selection process, which begins with a written application due Tuesday, 7 February. This opportunity to complete secondary studies at United World Colleges (UWC) overseas is available to high-achieving Caymanian students who will be 16 or 17 years old on 1 September 2017 and have a passion for the UWC mission and values.

More than 155 national committees and selection contacts operate around the world, selecting hundreds of young people each year to attend one of 17 prestigious colleges across five continents.

Since 1962, the UWC mission has been to bring young people together from diverse backgrounds and use education as a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.

Eight Cayman Islands residents are currently enrolled at colleges in Italy, Costa Rica, Canada, Norway, Armenia, Japan, the US and Hong Kong. In previous years, other Caymanian scholars have spent their last two years of secondary school at some of those locations as well as colleges in Wales, India and Swaziland.

Commenting on this year’s recruitment process, UWC Cayman Islands chairperson Aubrey Bodden said, “National committee representatives have been visiting secondary schools and providing information to students across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac since November. We have had a lot of interest and look forward to receiving many applications this year from qualified students.”

Founded in 1984, the local national committee has selected nearly 70 Caymanian students to participate in the pre-university programme and supported them with scholarship funding, mentorship and networking opportunities.

UWC offer the internally recognised International Baccalaureate diploma. After graduation, scholars remain committed to the UWC ideals of peace and justice and often go on to top universities in the US, UK and Canada, pursuing a variety of educational and career paths.

“Each year the selection process also inspires the committee members as we get to know these passionate young people and hear about their achievements as well as their goals for the future,” Bodden said.

In relation to non-Caymanian applicants, she advised that contact details for all national committees can be found on the UWC website. Students are encouraged to reach out to UWC Cayman Islands for assistance with alternative application procedures.

To ensure selection is based entirely on merit and that this life-changing opportunity is available to as many deserving young people as possible, families may contribute to the costs of a UWC education. Funding is awarded to successful students by the national committee to meet all financial need, considering not only school fees but also travel and other expenses.

Scholarships are funded by donations from local individuals, companies, foundations and other organisations, including long-standing major supporters Maples and Calder, the Aall Foundation and Greenlight Re. The national committee also carries out fundraising activities.