The Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) has officially launched the ECAB Aspiring Leaders Scholarship, during a ceremony held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus.
This is a groundbreaking scholarship program, the first of its kind from a private financial institution in Antigua and Barbuda, offering full tuition coverage for the duration of the recipient’s three-year undergraduate studies at the UWI Five Islands Campus.
The scholarship will also cover ancillary expenses, such as guild and student ID fees, as well as textbook costs for the first year.
To further support the recipient’s professional development, the awardee will also be afforded an eight (8) week internship at ECAB during the final year of study.
The ECAB Aspiring Leaders Scholarship is open to students pursuing undergraduate degrees within the School of Business & Management and the School of Science, Computing & Artificial Intelligence and is aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders.
The scholarship will be awarded annually to one outstanding student between the ages of 17 and 25 based on academic excellence, financial need, and personal character.
The initiative is a reflection of ECAB’s commitment to national development through investment in youth and education.
Speaking at the launch, ECAB Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Spencer, emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in nation-building:
“The Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank believes in investing in our future, and we affirm there is no better way to show our commitment to this than through educating our young people”
Professor Justin Robinson, Principal of the UWI Five Islands Campus, emphasized the importance of the initiative:
“There is a reason why there is a UWI Campus in Antigua. Within the Americas, the Eastern Caribbean ranks at the bottom for higher-level tertiary enrolment. This partnership with ECAB will help to correct this and change the trajectory.”
The Honourable Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, Daryll Matthew also supported the scholarship, calling it “life-changing.” He said:
“It is fitting that this initiative is called the ECAB Aspiring Leaders Scholarship. Sometimes, we believe that leadership happens by accident, but we need to be intentional in creating opportunities that hone leadership abilities.”
For more details about the scholarship, eligibility criteria, and application process, visit www.ecabank.com. Applications should be submitted via email to scholarship@ecabank.com. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2025.