JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation Opens Applications for 2026 Scholarship Programme

The JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 Scholarship Programme, inviting eligible Jamaican students to apply for financial support as they pursue tertiary education and prepare for leadership and service in their chosen fields. Applications close on May 31, 2026, and more than J$17 million will be awarded in total to successful recipients, continuing the Foundation’s commitment to nation‑building through education.

The annual scholarship programme honours the legacy of the late Mrs. Joan Duncan by supporting students who demonstrate strong academic performance, verifiable financial need and a commitment to community involvement. Beyond financial assistance, the programme is designed to nurture well‑rounded individuals through personal and leadership development, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to nation‑building through education.

Encouraging students to apply, Kim Mair, CEO of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, highlighted the programme’s long‑term impact on recipients and their families. “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transformation,” Mair said. “Through this scholarship programme, we are not only easing financial burdens but also investing in potential. We encourage students who are committed to their studies, their communities and their personal growth to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.”

Successful tertiary applicants will receive financial support to assist with tuition and approved academic expenses and will also be enrolled in the Foundation’s LIFE Accelerator Programme, which focuses on leadership development, financial literacy, innovation and community involvement. Through workshops, mentorship and volunteer initiatives, scholars are equipped with practical skills and guidance to support both academic success and personal development.

The scholarship programme is open to final year Jamaican undergraduate students enrolled at accredited tertiary institutions in Jamaica, who have attained at least a “C” average and are identified by their educational institutions as being financially challenged. Applications are accepted from students pursuing undergraduate degrees in all areas excluding Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture, Engineering and Law, in keeping with the Foundation’s scholarship criteria.

Applications must be submitted online via the Foundation’s website at www.joanduncanfoundation.org/scholarships-and-educational-grants. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide supporting documents including academic transcripts, recommendations and evidence of financial need. 

Past recipients have described the programme as life‑changing. Nicola Powell, a former scholarship recipient and final‑year student at the Caribbean Maritime University, shared, “The scholarship gave me the drive I needed to continue doing well academically and professionally. Knowing that someone believed in my potential motivated me to push forward and build on the legacy that Mrs. Joan Duncan left behind.”

Rooted in the values of love, integrity, care and openness championed by Mrs. Duncan, the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation Scholarship Programme continues to empower students across Jamaica, helping to shape future leaders who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.