LYFORD CAY FOUNDATIONS ANNOUNCES 2025 FAMILY ISLAND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

College Readiness for Rising Grade 11 Students Across The Bahamas

(NASSAU, BAHAMAS) – Following the success of last year’s 50 FOR 50 initiative, Lyford Cay Foundations are pleased to announce the relaunch of its Family Island student enrichment experience under a new name: the LCF Family Island Leadership Programme.

The initiative, which provides Family Island students with access to college readiness and leadership development, will take place during the week of July 21st in New Providence. The programme engages students entering Grade 11 in September 2025 from Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Grand Cay, Inagua, Long Island, San Salvador, and The Berry Islands.

Once again, Breezes Resort Bahamas will host students for the duration of the residential programme. In collaboration with institutional partners, The University of The Bahamas (UB) and The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), students will be immersed in academic and career planning sessions, campus tours, and personal development activities designed to prepare them for life after high school.

During the immersive week-long seminar, students will engage with college and career counsellors to learn about post-secondary education pathways in The Bahamas and abroad. They will explore college options, receive expert advice on how to choose a career and the courses needed to achieve it, and learn more about technical and vocational training opportunities that can lead to certification or a degree. Beyond the classroom, students will enjoy meaningful peer connections, field trips, and exposure to life on a college campus.

All expenses, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and programme activities, are fully covered by Lyford Cay Foundations through the generosity of its donors.

“Programmes like this are about possibility and helping young people imagine a future where their goals are within reach,” said Dr. Nicola Virgill-Rolle, Executive Director of Lyford Cay Foundations. “We only ask for their commitment to show up each day with enthusiasm, take full advantage of every learning moment, and return to their communities inspired to lead and share what they’ve learned.”

The LCF Family Island Leadership Programme builds on the Foundations’ long-standing commitment to expanding access to education and opportunity. It forms part of the broader FOCUS On Course To College initiative, which supports motivated students through academic enrichment, college preparation, and leadership development. Last year’s pilot brought together 50 students from 13 Family Islands in celebration of The Bahamas’ 50th Independence anniversary. This year, the programme continues with renewed focus and a new name, honouring its core purpose: empowering Family Island students to lead, to dream, and to pursue higher education with confidence.

For additional information or to learn more about Lyford Cay Foundations, visit www.lyfordcayfoundations.org.

50 FOR 50 general sessions at the University of The Bahamas (UB) in 2024, attended by 50 students from the Family Islands and New Providence-based FOCUS students.

50 FOR 50 workshops and lectures at The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI), provided hands-on experiences for Family Island students in 2024.

About The Lyford Cay Foundations

Lyford Cay Foundations is a philanthropic organisation that believes that increasing educational attainment across the country is key to the development of a prosperous, healthy and peaceful Bahamas. Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. and The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation are registered charities established in 1969 and 1977, respectively.

Lyford Cay Foundations has a mission to invest in learning opportunities for children, young adults, families and communities, all made possible by the generosity of donors. Through a variety of programmes, Lyford Cay Foundations assists children in school as they prepare for college, students leaving school with scholarships to attend college in The Bahamas and abroad, and non-profits providing learning opportunities. To date, more than $50 million has been invested in the lives of Bahamians.