Jamaican student in Minnesota expands scholarship program for PEP high achievers back home

A Jamaican student pursuing higher education in the United States is continuing her efforts to invest in the next generation of scholars by expanding a scholarship programme that recognizes outstanding academic achievement among primary school students in Jamaica.

Javelia Morrison-Galimore, a Jamaican native now living and studying in Minnesota, recently completed the second year of the Javelia Morrison-Galimore Pinnacle Scholar Award, an initiative she established to recognize top-performing students following the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.

The programme currently supports students at Green Island Primary School in Hanover and Barrett Town Primary & Infant School in St. James, with Morrison-Galimore hoping to extend the initiative to her alma mater next year, making it the third parish to benefit.

"I don't measure a scholarship by how many zeros are on the check, but by how far its ripple effect goes," Morrison-Galimore said.

She said the initiative was created to inspire Jamaican students to persevere despite financial challenges while encouraging members of the Caribbean diaspora to find meaningful ways to give back to their home countries.

"Jamaica is bursting with exceptional talent, brilliant minds, and raw ambition. For many families, the only variable missing is often financial access," she said. "Education isn't just a personal achievement; it's an engine for regional development."

Morrison-Galimore said that living, working or studying overseas should not weaken ties to Jamaica but instead provide opportunities to contribute to the country's future.

"By investing in a student, you are unlocking a mind that could protect our digital borders, shape policy, or innovate infrastructure," she said. "Living, working, or studying abroad shouldn't detach us from home. It gives us a platform to build a bridge back to the island."

The scholarship programme recognizes outstanding academic performance in key subject areas. In 2025, Green Island Primary School recipients were recognized for excellence in science. Because science was not included in this year's PEP examinations, the 2026 recipients were selected based on the school's internal science assessments.

At Barrett Town Primary & Infant School, the 2025 awards recognized the top-performing boy and girl in science, while the 2026 awards honoured students who excelled in mathematics.

Each recipient receives a cash award, a trophy and a certificate in recognition of their academic achievement and commitment to learning.

Morrison-Galimore said the programme is rooted in her passion for science and technology and reflects her commitment to giving back, despite still being a student herself.

"I spent years in Jamaica building two small businesses, and that, along with the support of my family, allowed me to afford pursuing higher education abroad," she said. "Today, as a student myself, I have chosen not to wait until I am at the peak of my career to begin giving back."

She expressed hope that the initiative will continue to grow while inspiring other Jamaicans living overseas to invest in education and help create opportunities for future generations.