The Bermuda College Foundation received a $100,000 grant from Bank of Bermuda Foundation to help students in financial need in the upcoming school year.

Funds will also help returning students who may have difficulty paying outstanding fees from this academic year as a result of Covid-19.

The Bank of Bermuda Foundation said that it did not want students’ education to suffer.

Allison Towlson, managing director for the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, said: “We are funding access to education and putting equity at the forefront of what we do.

“We know that many students will struggle to find summer employment this year and with many parents potentially out of work, we don’t want our students to fall behind in their important educational endeavours.

“Education lifts individuals and is a great equaliser. It creates opportunity.”

Duranda Greene, president of Bermuda College, added: “Bermuda College is extremely grateful. It has long been one of my goals, as president, to see the establishment of a foundation that would position the college to become more financially independent. “In less than a year of operation, the Bermuda College Foundation has given us a good start and it couldn’t have come at a more opportune time as the loss of employment has stymied the academic pursuits of many in our community.”

Dr Greene said that of the approximate 1,200 students enrolled at the college last year, about 30 per cent received financial assistance. Based on recent survey results, it is estimated that about 40 per cent of students may require financial assistance in the upcoming year.

Mark Berry, chairman of Bermuda College, said: “The area of immediate concern is student financial assistance which is estimated to be in the range of $800,000. Corporate and private donors are encouraged to donate to Bermuda College Foundation as an investment in our college, our Bermuda, our future”.

Donations can be made by cheque (payable to Bermuda College Foundation) or direct deposit to Bank of Butterfield: 0604009700015 (BMD) or 8404009700027 (USD). Donors should contact to the Bermuda College Foundation’s office via e-mail info@bermudacollegefoundation.org to advise of donations.