Twenty scholarships have been handed out by the Association of Bermuda International Companies Education Awards programme at a special luncheon.

Christian Dunleavy, chairman of the Abic Education Awards, said: “I would like to congratulate all of the recipients for 2017, an acknowledgement of their dedication to achieving the ambitious goals which they have set for themselves and we are pleased to be able to support.

“International business in Bermuda continues to thrive. Our members are committed to ensuring that our Bermudians can achieve the skills, qualifications and contacts to participate fully and achieve personal and professional success and give back to the community.”

This year’s undergraduate students are James Amaral, Brian Darling, Zantae Dill, Abigail Exon, Kristin Gibbons, Sachio Harrison, Marcus Henschke, Antoine Jackson, Caleb Jones, Francis Laing, Niambi Landy-Philpott, Layona Millett, Christian Oatley, Jahlae Outerbridge, Dain Richardson, Isaiah Richardson, Brieanna Samuels, Amon Wedderburn, and Theo Wolffe.

While this year’s post graduate student is Chelsea Warren.

The scholarship programme is believed to be one of the largest and most broadly supported scholarship programmes in Bermuda, highlighting the commitment of the international business sector.

The programme is supported by more than 50 Abic member companies and a committee of approximately 20 volunteers from donor companies and colleagues in the business, HR and academic communities looking to encourage young Bermudians to join the sector.

The awards are based on a combination of the applicant’s financial need, academic ability and field of study. Other criteria include the applicant’s specific career focus, awareness of the role of international business in Bermuda, and the level of involvement in and commitment to the community.

At the awards luncheon, held at he Harbourfront restaurant, Mr Dunleavy thanked guest speakers Mackenzie Cooper and Mustafa Ingham of Team BDA for sharing their experiences and insights from the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup.

He added: “Their focus on hard work, goal setting and pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones achieved remarkable results for a newly formed team, resonating with our awardees who will face similar challenges over the coming years pursuing their educational and professional goals.”