Port of Spain | July 31, 2026: The Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) proudly welcomed 20 new scholars into the annual S.E.A. Scholarship Programme on Thursday, July 30. Marking three decades of unwavering commitment. This milestone event brought together the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Michael Dowlath, parents, school principals, and UTC Executives to celebrate the achievements and promise of the newest cohort. Since the programme’s inception, more than 500 students have been empowered to pursue their academic goals through this scholarship.
The UTC S.E.A. Scholarship Programme was established to ensure that academically gifted students, regardless of financial circumstance, have a clear and equal path to realizing their full potential through secondary school and tertiary education. In keeping with the Corporation’s longstanding mission to foster lifelong financial empowerment, each scholar received bookstore vouchers and an initial investment in a UTC Children’s Investment Starter Plan (CISP).
Nigel Edwards, Executive Director of UTC, reaffirmed the Corporation’s steadfast dedication to advancing equity in education and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
“I grew up in a household where my parents constantly reminded me of a simple, powerful truth: Education is the great equalizer,” Edwards shared. “They explained to me that while we cannot always control the circumstances we are born into, we can absolutely control the effort, the discipline, and the focus we dedicate to our studies. Welcoming these 20 new scholars to the UTC family raises our total past the 500-student milestone, and we are ready and fully dedicated to walking hand in hand with them on their scholarly path. We wish them the very best on their journey and look forward to seeing them develop into citizens who make a meaningful impact on Trinidad and Tobago.”
The feature address was delivered by Minister of Education, Dr. the Honourable Michael Dowlath, who recognized UTC’s ongoing partnership with the public education sector and its alignment with the nation’s developmental priorities.
“The Ministry of Education highly commends the Unit Trust Corporation for its extraordinary vision and sustained corporate citizenship,” remarked Dr. Dowlath. “True national progress is strengthened when the private sector steps forward to invest in our young people who may face financial vulnerability, but who possess immense talent, determination and promise. By helping to remove monetary barriers and introducing financial literacy at this critical transition from primary to secondary school, UTC complements the Ministry’s national curriculum goals. It is helping to develop not only bright scholars, but resilient, financially and economically aware future leaders who can manage resources wisely, make responsible decisions and contribute meaningfully to Trinidad and Tobago.”
Rynessa Cutting, Senior Broadcast Journalist and proud alumna of the UTC S.E.A. Scholarship, reflected on how the programme’s support was instrumental throughout her educational journey, allowing her to pursue her media career.
The Corporation extends heartfelt congratulations to this outstanding 2026 cohort and looks forward to walking alongside them, step by step, as they become valued members of the UTC family.
