Jamaican American Connection Trailblazer Scholarship Guidelines
The Jamaican American Connection, Inc. (“JAC”) was founded in the summer of 2010. JAC’s purpose is to celebrate and preserve the unique Caribbean/West Indian and to promote the positive values and traditions of its people. In furtherance of its purpose, JAC created the Trailblazer Scholarship Program. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, involvement, extracurricular activities, and financial need.
Trailblazer Award Amounts:
One (1) $3000
Two (2) $2000
One (1) $1000
Lifespan Collaborative Services Award Amount:
Two (2) $1500 awards for individuals pursuing careers in Mental Health field, i.e. Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology, Social Work or Counseling related studies.
*Award donated by Lifespan Collaborative Services
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have:
-
Eligibility is limited to high school seniors with documented acceptance, or students currently enrolled in a college or vocational institution
-
An official transcript
-
A minimum GPA of 2.75
-
Residents of Greater New Haven County
-
Born in the West Indies or up to 2nd generation descendants
-
Cannot be a recipient of a prior JAC Scholarship
Essay
-
How has Caribbean culture shaped your personal and academic journey, and how do plan to use this cultural background to make a positive impact in your field of study and community?
-
What qualities do you possess that make you stand apart from your peers? Why should you be selected as a JAC Scholarship recipient?
-
Write an essay that conveys how being connected to the West Indian community has shaped who you are today.
Essay Questions:
Minimum of 500 words.
Application Deadline:
Applications (including required attachments) must be submitted April 26, 2026.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Trailblazer Scholarship Banquet: Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Annual JAC Trailblazer Scholarship Gala.
If you need further assistance or additional content, feel free to email us at scholarship@jacnewhaven.org