The Heliconia Foundation for Young Professionals Scholarship Trust Fund (‘HFYP Trust Fund’) was established by Trust Deed registered on January 28th 2015 and officially registered as the non-profit company Organization For The Heliconia Scholarship Fund in May 2016.

The Fund is dedicated to supporting and promoting the achievement of academic excellence by youths from vulnerable homes and communities and is funded by the efforts of the trustees, the non-profit organization, the Heliconia Foundation and the trust’s supporters who share this mission.

In December 2015, the Board of Trustees selected the Trust Fund’s first scholar Mr. Jude James, aged 19, of Duke Street, East Port-of-Spain who is currently pursuing a degree in International Business at Hult University, San Francisco California, USA. Jude received Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) from the Fund to assist in his studies.

1. Be from a low income household
2. Have done well in Cape and accepted into an undergraduate programme from a recognised tertiary institution
3. Have not received a scholarship
4. Be a national of Trinidad and Tobago
5. Be below 25 years of age

This year Four (4) bursaries each valued at Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) will be awarded to students satisfying the criteria established by the Trust Deed after applications are considered by the Board of Trustees.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Heliconia for Young Professionals Scholarship Trust Fund is managed by a group of young professionals who volunteer their time and energy to ensure that qualified students from vulnerable communities gain the benefits of the Fund. Members of the Board of Trustees were appointed by the Board of Directors of the Heliconia Foundation for Young Professionals and are:

1. Senator Michael Coppin, President of the Foundation
2. Senator Avinash Singh, General Member
3. Mr. Vyash Nandlal, Vice-President (Finance)
4. Ms. Maritza Da Silva, General Member

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

To be considered for a scholarship, the beneficiary must be:

1. A citizen of Trinidad and Tobago
2. Enrolled and accepted as a full time undergraduate student at an accredited local or international post- secondary institution for the 2016-2017 academic year
3. A maximum of 25 years of age at the start of the 2016-2017 academic year
4. Financially incapable of funding all his or her entire expenses
5. From a vulnerable community
6. Must not be the recipient of a full scholarship

N.B. Members of the Heliconia Foundation for Young Professionals, Board of Trustees, Donors and members of the immediate families of any such persons are not eligible to apply for a bursary. The term immediate family includes spouses, siblings, parents and children.

FURTHER SELECTION CRITERIA

The decision to grant a scholarship may also be based on the following criteria:

1. High Academic achievement
2. Enrollment in a particular field of study
3. Recognized contribution to Community

BASIC SELECTION PROCESS

The basic process for evaluating applicants and awarding scholarships is as follows:

STEP 1: Completion of Application Form: All applicants are evaluated by the Trustees based on an application containing the information demonstrating the satisfaction of the aforementioned criteria. Forms must be submitted to the Trustees by November 30, 2016.

STEP 2: Decision Making: After consideration of Application Form a short list is compiled and an interview will then be conducted by the Board of Trustees before making a final decision.

STEP 3: Conditional Offer of Bursary: Candidates selected in Step 2 will be emailed a conditional offer of scholarship and will be asked to provide validation of enrolment in the 2016-17 academic year and other documentary proofs.

STEP 4: Confirmation of 2016 - 17 Scholarship: With all conditions met, bursary recipients will be officially advised by email of their award.

STEP 5: Scholarship Award Event: A small cocktail event will be held at the Annual Christmas Charity Cocktails hosted by the Heliconia Foundation For Young Professionals at which the cheque will be delivered. Scholarship recipients, their families, donors and members of the public will be invited to attend the event. An applicant’s inability to attend the awards ceremony in person will not impact on his/her eligibility for a scholarship.

NEXT STEPS FOR APPLICANTS

STEP 1 – DOWNLOAD AND COMPLETE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM: Carefully review and complete the HFYP Trust Scholarship Application Form.

STEP 2 - ASSEMBLE SUPPORTING MATERIAL: Take the time to assemble the supporting material required of you (e.g. supporting letters and your academic transcripts), financial information and references.

STEP 3- SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION: Having assembled all required supporting material and completed application form, submit your online application form by the November 30, 2016 to: heliconiatrustfund@gmail.com

Download Application Form