This is according to a November 5, 2019, press release from the learning institution which states that HLSCC and Johnson and Wales University (JWU) have been in negotiations and healthy discussions since 2018 to find ways to collaborate as well as assist local students who wish to attend the renowned university with campuses in Providence, Miami, Charlotte, and Denver.

MoU Inked

"The agreement between JWU and HLSCC grants HLSCC graduates guaranteed admission to JWU. The Guaranteed Admission Programme (GAP) creates a seamless admission process for transfer students intending to complete a bachelor's degree at Johnson & Wales University," the release states.

According to the information, under the GAP programme, HLSCC graduates can transfer directly into the following programmes with junior status: Business Studies; Liberal Studies; and Culinary Arts. Also, HLSCC graduates transferring to JWU under GAP with grade point averages of 2.5 and higher will be eligible for up to $7500 in scholarships.

“Most importantly we are trying to create more robust partnerships with the institutions we hold agreements with. They visit our campus, they understand the position of the college in particular and the BVI in general,” Dr. Richard Georges, Acting President of HLSCC, stated.

He also noted that the goal is to offer amazing incentives for HLSCC students as well as raise the profile of the college in terms of the opportunities available to its graduates.

BVI Gov't collaboration

The second MoU, between the Government of the Virgin Islands and JWU, specifically speaks to ways the two entities can fund HLSCC graduates that academically excel to attend the university the release noted.

According to Mehdi Moutahir, Senior Director of International partnerships, the establishment has a very generous scholarship program and they are happy to extend and customize matching funding to HLSCC students who have received BVI Government scholarships.

“The aspiration is to provide a pathway for HLSCC students to complete their Bachelor’s degree in a specific discipline as well as their Master’s degree in a two plus two plus one degree,” Moutahir said.

He added that the parties plan for full tuition to be covered for three years and the successful HLSCC applicant will only be responsible for room and board.

Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) indicated that he recognised the challenges in providing scholarships for students attending school abroad.

“The government is committed through HLSCC to providing scholarships for further study to facilitate the training needs of our most precious resource, the human resource,” he said.