Forty-seven students in Dominica and the United States are set to receive financial assistance to continue their education after being selected for scholarships through the 2026 Dominica America Scholarship & Culture, Inc. (DASCI) Scholarship Programme.
According to a press release from DASCI, the scholarships were presented during the organization’s virtual Scholarship Awards Ceremony held on June 27.
This year’s awards included 44 scholarships valued at US$750 (approximately EC$2,000) for students transitioning from primary to secondary school in Dominica, along with three scholarships worth US$1,000 each for students pursuing college studies in Florida.
DASCI, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization made up primarily of Dominicans living in Florida, works to promote educational opportunities while preserving Dominican culture.
The organization is celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year, and officials said the scholarship programme continues to be made possible through membership fundraising efforts and donations from supporters, including David Shillingford, the Marie Family Dominica Educational Fund, and the John and Nancy Donnelly Family Fund.
DASCI said that this year’s awards ceremony marked not only another round of scholarships but also 23 years of investing in education as a means of creating opportunities for young people in both Dominica and the United States.
The 2026-2027 scholarship recipients in the United States attend St. Lucie West Centennial High School and Treasure Coast High School in Florida.
In Dominica, scholarship recipients were drawn from nine primary schools: Berean Christian Academy (3 students), Christian Union Primary School (6), Convent Preparatory School (12), Coulibistrie Primary School (3), Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Primary School (5), Mahaut Primary School (5), Massacre Primary School (5), Pioneer Preparatory School (1), and St. Mary’s Primary School (4).
DASCI said the names of scholarship recipients have been posted on the organization’s website.
The organization also acknowledged the important role played by school principals in identifying and encouraging deserving students to apply for the programme, reporting that many expressed gratitude following the announcement of this year’s recipients.
Mahaut Primary School Principal Claire Nola Stedman praised the initiative, saying:
“We greatly appreciate the support that DASCI continues to provide to Dominican students as they transition to secondary school. This scholarship will undoubtedly assist these students and their families as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey.”
One of the scholarship recipients, Ahjani Toussaint of Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Primary School, also shared his appreciation.
“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me and my family. This generous support greatly eases my school expenses, allowing me to continue learning and dedicating myself to my long-term goals,” stated Toussaint.
Since launching its scholarship programme in 2007, DASCI says it has awarded 232 scholarships valued at more than US$162,950 (approximately EC$442,718) to students across Dominica, helping them pursue their educational goals.
The organization added that it remains committed to supporting the next generation of leaders and changemakers through continued investment in education.
Delivering the keynote address, Jodie Dublin-Dangleben reinforced this year’s theme, “Innovators, Leaders and Changemakers.”
“Innovators solve problems by creating new ideas; leaders solve problems by bringing people together, and changemakers solve problems by taking action and making a difference.”
Looking ahead, DASCI announced that planning for its 2027 Scholarship Programme will begin in January 2027, when participating schools will be selected.
Information on participating schools, scholarship eligibility requirements and application procedures will be published on the DASCI website, with applications being accepted through May 31, 2027. The organization said individuals interested in supporting the scholarship programme can make donations through its website.
As it marks 23 years of service, DASCI said it remains dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for deserving students in Dominica and the United States under its longstanding motto, “Forward We Go.”
For additional information about the scholarship program, email [email protected].
