More than 100 students will benefit from cash earmarked for financial support at Bermuda College, the president of the school says.

Duranda Greene said that more than 100 students would be able to benefit from $300,000 in additional funding for the college announced this afternoon.

Diallo Rabain, Minister of Education and Workforce Development, outlined the funding at a press conference at Global House.

The money, Mr Rabain said, would assist “persons who require financial assistance to achieve their goals”, and would help to encourage both new students and assist those already enrolled at the institution.

It will be distributed across three categories of study: non-programme and programme academic division courses, professional and career education programmes, and Bachelor’s degree programmes.

Awards will be based on the financial need of the applicant, Mr Rabain said, and will cover up to 80 per cent of an individual’s fees.

Dr Greene said there were two main criteria for the awards — the applicant must be Bermudian, and must have a grade-point average of at least 2.0 if a current student at the college.

She said the funding would “go a long way” to assisting those currently unable to afford attending the college.

“At Bermuda College we believe every Bermudian student should be afforded the opportunity to further his or her education,” Dr Greene said.

“By student we are not just referring to the recent high school graduate, but also those non-traditional students who are wanting to change careers or those who may be unemployed of underemployed and are seeking to improve their skills, making them more marketable.”

Interested candidates will need to complete an application form, available on the college’s website. Course registration and payment deadlines have been extended, Dr Greene said.

Mr Rabain said the money would help provide a “clear pathway” to educational opportunities for all. The deadline for applications is Thursday, August 24. For more information, contact 236-9000 or tdill@college.bm.