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Our programmes are designed to yield palpable, long-term results. Each programme is aimed at providing learning opportunities for Bahamian children, young adults, families, and communities who will benefit the most. Read full story Focus
FOCUS is an out-of-school-time, tuition-free enrichment programme aimed at preparing public school students of demonstrated potential and need for college readiness and access.
Students begin the programme the summer after Grade four, and are supported throughout their school career. Our expectation is that they will eventually become the first generation in their family to achieve post-secondary education.
FOCUS also supports teachers in training. The majority of interns are University of The Bahamas (UB), School of Education majors, who will eventually be teaching in the country’s public school system.
FOCUS students share similar background, coming from communities that are underserved. There are no grade requirements and our cohorts are representative of the applicant pool. Additionally, our FOCUS students will be the first in their family to attend college.
The recruitment and application process to become a FOCUS student is open to Grade four students in six public schools that populate the northwestern part of New Providence only.
Eligible students and their parents must attend an in-person application session. Each year more than 500 students are eligible to apply, and we receive between 100-140 applications.
A FOCUS Team member visits every grade four classroom in all six Northwest New Providence Schools Recruitment visits are made between November and January at each grade four class at each of the six schools.
Every grade four student in the six schools receives a letter about FOCUS, inviting parents to attend an application sessions.
All sessions are held after work hours, including Saturdays to accommodate parents’ schedules. At these sessions, applications are completed and submitted by parents and students.
After a three-stage selection process, 18 girls and 18 boys are chosen to become FOCUS students. Every applicant is notified on whether or not they are accepted into FOCUS. Successful students begin FOCUS the summer after completing grade four.
Final decision communication is made to all families by May each year.
Focus is made possible by a talented group of team leaders and interns.
Opportunities are offered are on a competitive basis at the beginning of each year. Invitations to join the team are made on merit and assessment of those who are best suited to our culture – a high performing and highly collaborative environment.
We have a strong recruitment and partnership relationship with the University of The Bahamas; however, FOCUS internships opportunities are not limited only to UB Students.
What makes a good intern?
During each summer and school year, we engage adult professionals, college and high school students alike who volunteer their time to support various areas of programming.
You must be at least in Grade 10 of high school in order to volunteer for FOCUS.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 225-8958 or EMAIL us, to find out more about the volunteer opportunities at FOCUS and the best match for your interests and availability.
“My dream is to be a business owner while paving the way for others. This scholarship is making it all possible.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’16
Mortuary Science – Gupton-Jones College
This isn’t your typical field, but I find so much happiness in helping families when they are at their most vulnerable.
“I want to defy all odds and… become an empowered, educated and successful young Bahamian.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’16
Loretta Anne Rogers Scholarship Recipient
Over the years, Lyford Cay Foundations has enriched the lives of so many Bahamians. I know that if my goal was to be among the most successful, I needed the support of an organization that believed in my vision.
“ In the next two years, I should be attending college. I know this process is a long one, but it’s one I’m willing to take because it’s worth it.”
FOCUS CLASS of 2020
FOCUS is helping me make my vision a reality by getting me ready for the real world with job readiness and teaching me to make my own decisions. They are also helping me look for colleges that are ideal for me.
“With Lyford Cay Foundations’ support both professionally and personally, I am constantly growing in my field ”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ‘14 /
Founder, Bahamas Plastic Movement
Through [the Foundations’] support, we have been able to engage Bahamians in plastic pollution education and research and successfully driven significant change at the policy level in regard to single use plastic consumption.
“I feel thankful to have received help from Lyford Cay Foundations.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’97
Actuarial Consultant, Nichols & Co.
I have gained specialized training and experience in the international insurance business, becoming a fully qualified actuary focused on enterprise risk management. I feel honoured to have received an award from the Bahamas Financial Services Board for contributions to the industry.
“After the initial application process, I felt a sense of belonging.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’15
Mechanical Engineering-University of Arkansas
At 19, I enrolled at The College of The Bahamas. Although mechanical engineering was not offered, I worked toward a pre-engineering degree and continuously researched ways to go abroad to study mechanical engineering.
“This definitely would not have been possible without Lyford Cay Foundations.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’15
TK Foundation Technical Scholarship Recipient
Food Service Management – Johnson & Wales
I am the proudest mommy in the planet! I’m humbled that Lyford Cay Foundations saw the promise of a bright future in my daughter and gave her the vehicle to navigate that passion.
– Charlotte Knowles-Thompson
“If someone doesn’t get the drill the first time, you pat them on the back and say, Good try! You’ll get it next time.”
COMMUNITY GRANTS
Basketball Smiles Participant
I’ve come to this camp every summer for 5 years. Our coaches taught us to encourage each other.
“I was encouraged to pursue a degree in medicine, but I knew this was not the right path for me.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’15
History and Philosophy of Art
[After] completing a year of studying art at The College of The Bahamas, working at two museums, pursuing my love of painting late into the night every night, and a few solo art exhibitions, I found that my true love is art.
“I can’t thank the donors enough for their continued generosity and commitment to investing in the real wealth of this nation – its people.
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’88
Fine Arts – Rhode Island School of Design
I am very grateful that the Foundations see fit to grant scholarships specifically to the arts… This changes their lives forever.
Focus most frequent questions and answers
Your child must in grade four in one of six Northwest New Providence public schools, and must attend an application session with a parent or guardian.
Unfortunately, there are only six schools from which we accept applications for FOCUS students.
See more
Both the child and the parent/guardian must complete FOCUS application forms.
Your child must be in grade four to apply to FOCUS