Five students received the 2024 Athene Bermuda College Scholarship at a special reception.

The event at the Bermuda National Gallery honoured the recipients of the award, which is designed to help build Bermuda’s future workforce in areas that align with business needs.

It covers the full costs of each student’s associate degree programme and required books, and is available to Bermudian students attending the Bermuda College who meet a minimum GPA requirement and have financial need.

The scholarship supports students pursuing various associate degrees in fields of study that provide pathways to entry in insurance or supportive international business.

The fall 2024 Athene scholarship recipients and their respective areas of study were: Yazik Govia, business administration; Nikia Matthews, business administration; Shei-Anne Ottley-Peets, business administration; Maya Proverbs, computer information system; and Deontae Scott, actuarial science.

David Sam, the college’s president, thanked Athene for its ongoing support.

He said: “By removing or reducing the financial stress associated with higher education, students can focus on their academic pursuits.

“Athene is truly our valued partner and we look forward to watching our students flourish due in part to their generous support.”

Natasha Scotland Courcy, who is chief executive and general counsel at Athene Life Re, added: “Education initiatives are a core piece of our philanthropic and community involvement efforts at Athene.

“For the sixth consecutive year, we are thrilled to celebrate this year’s scholarship recipients who have demonstrated their excellence and commitment to their respective areas of study. We look forward to watching them flourish throughout the remainder of their education and future endeavours.”

Nikkita Scott, the vice-president of Student Affairs at the college, congratulated the students and said the support of Athene had allowed many people to continue education and pursue goals in and outside the classroom.