By: Cecelia Campbell-Livingston
Despite the challenges being faced, Peace and Love Academics Scholarship (PALAS) Inc. is determined to ensure that students continue to benefit from the scholarships it provides annually.
There was a scaling down this year to focus on awardees who have maintained excellent grades with the aim to grant 75 scholarships.
Ruel ‘Rula’ Brown, founder, shared that it is heartbreaking to not be able to assist some of those who so desperately need it. He said he hopes that next year will fare even better.
“The scholarships awarded are solely from money raised or donated. The majority (97%) of the funds raised from sponsors, donors, and volunteers go towards funding scholarships at PALAS Inc., which is entirely volunteer-run. The remaining 3% is used to facilitate the award ceremony each year and the certificates and tokens given to the Gold Star Recipients.,” he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit some of the organisation’s main sponsors hard, causing a drop in donations. However, an optimistic Brown is hoping that some new ones will come on board before the July 31 deadline and may be made online at www.PALAS1.org via PayPal, Cashapp, or Zelle.
“It is not too late to donate. We are hoping to offer more scholarships, but the reality is that there is a shortfall. Education is one of the most important investments we can ever make in our young people’s lives. I welcome the partnership,” he said.
Nicole Johnson who benefited from the scholarship, also added her voice to the appeal. She said it literally came to her rescue during most of her academic career.
“They came at a time when my family and I were in dire financial need, and every year subsequent to this, they have never left me. I am proud to say that PALAS has been a big part of helping me get through my tertiary academic years and is instrumental in aiding me to obtain my medical degree, which, by God’s grace, I will complete in 2024. I am eternally grateful, and I can’t thank the PALAS team enough for their support both financially and emotionally,” were her impassioned words.
Brown also expressed thanks to chair Patrick Campbell, who continues to throw his support behind the organisation, and the loyal board members who stay in the ring, helping to network and give support in whatever way they can,
Over the years, the IRS-approved 501(c)3 non-profit organisation has remained committed to the mission of providing financial assistance to high school and university/college students in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, based on students’ socio-economic status. It has awarded 900 scholarships to Jamaican and Caribbean students studying in their home countries and in the United States, amounting to approximately JA$100 million (U.S. $800,000).
Persons can also collaborate with PALAS by Partnering with PALAS (PWP). If a person or entity donates a minimum of US$350.00 or JA$55,000.00, they may designate it as a personal scholarship in the name of a loved one or a business. A certificate of appreciation along with the name of the scholarship recipient is usually issued to the donor.
