UWC Cayman Islands opens 2023 applications

UWC Cayman Islands, the local national committee of the global United World Colleges (UWC) movement, is inviting students to apply for 2023 entry. The selection process begins with submitting a written application due Wednesday, February 15.

Since 1962, the mission of UWC has been to bring young people together from diverse backgrounds and use education as a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. There are currently 18 schools and colleges, each in a different country, across four continents.

This unique educational opportunity to study overseas is available to high-achieving Caymanian students who will be 16 or 17 years old as of September 1, 2023 and are passionate about the UWC mission and values. UWC colleges offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma, one of the most widely recognised and highly regarded secondary qualifications in the world. After graduation, scholars remain committed to the UWC ideals of peace and justice and often go on to top universities in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, pursuing a variety of educational and career paths.

To ensure selection is based entirely on merit and that this opportunity is available to as many deserving young people as possible, families are expected to contribute according to their means to the costs of a UWC education. Funding is awarded to successful students by the national committee to meet all financial need.

Scholarships are mainly funded through donations from local individuals, companies, foundations and other organisations, including long-standing major supporters the Maples Group and the Aall Foundation. Hailee Robinson an Associate at the Maples Group and 2012 graduate of UWC-USA shared, “As one of UWC’s leading donors, I am grateful to the Maples Group for supporting me even before my legal career began. I attribute much of my personal and professional success to my time at UWC. I feel so much more connected to the world that I live in and I am a more active member of my community as a result of this experience. I thank UWC and the Maples Group for the opportunities they provide to young Caymanians.”

Five Caymanians are currently enrolled in UWC, and over 80 Caymanian students have attended since the local national committee was formed in 1984. At our Winter Social in December, we had alumni ranging from one of the first Caymanian students selected, Dana Welds/Brandon (UWC-USA ‘86), to current students in attendance. No matter where or when someone attended UWC, it is never hard to find shared experiences of friendship, learning and personal growth.

In 2022, Stephanie Menko (Cayman Prep) was selected to attend UWC Atlantic and joined second year students Sheala Reid (John Gray) and Lily McGrath (Cayman Prep). Isabella McGeough (St Ignatius) was selected to attend UWC Costa Rica, joining Sophie Ellison selected via the UWC Global Selections program.

For the application and more information, students can visit ky.uwc.org/apply or contact the national committee at uwccaymanislands@gmail.com. UWC Cayman Islands is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UWCCaymanIslands and Instagram @uwccaymanislands. Non-Caymanian applicants can find contact details for all other national committees online at www.uwc.org. UWC Cayman Islands is also happy to assist with queries where possible.