By S.Browne. Updated 9:30 a.m., Friday, July 17, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Twenty-six students from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have been awarded more than US$162,000 in scholarships to participate in an international leadership development programme hosted at Georgetown University.
According to a July 15 press release from the Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in New York, the students will participate in Leadership Initiatives’ summer programme, which is aimed at strengthening youth leadership, broadening global perspectives, and equipping young Vincentians with skills to contribute to national development.
The programme began on July 5 and will continue until August 1 during the 2026 and 2027 summer periods. Information provided by Consul and Foreign Direct Investment Officer at the Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in New York, Bernadette Ambrose-Black, in response to questions from One News SVG indicated that nine students from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are participating in the 2026 programme, while 17 students are expected to participate in the 2027 programme.
Ambrose-Black also noted that students participating in the programme include representatives from Girls’ High School, St. Vincent Grammar School, and St. Martin’s Secondary School. However, she explained that some students did not identify their schools during registration and listed only Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as their location.
The programme features one-week sessions focused on areas including Advanced Medical and Public Health, Cybersecurity and Business Consulting, Criminal Law and Trial, Artificial Intelligence and Medical Innovation, International Leadership and Business, and Advanced Medical Neuroscience.
The initiative was developed through collaboration among the Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in New York, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Leadership Initiatives, a United States-based nonprofit organisation focused on developing global student leaders through experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration.
Through its programmes, Leadership Initiatives provides students with opportunities to work alongside entrepreneurs and professionals, engage in project-based learning, and develop leadership, business, and problem-solving skills while addressing real-world challenges.
The opportunity was inspired by the engagement of Vincentian student and programme participant Siana Black and advanced through the advocacy, partnership-building, and diplomatic efforts of Consul and Foreign Direct Investment Officer at the Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in New York, Bernadette Ambrose-Black.
Ambrose-Black said the initiative provides young Vincentians with opportunities to experience different cultures, engage with global leaders, and develop leadership capabilities.
“Our young people are among our greatest national assets. Providing them with opportunities to experience different cultures, engage with global leaders, and develop leadership capabilities is essential to preparing them for the future. These students are not only representing their schools; they are representing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” Ambrose-Black said.
Minister of Education Phillip Jackson, who signed the partnership agreement on behalf of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, said the initiative reflects the importance of providing young people with opportunities to expand their horizons and develop skills that can support their future academic and professional pursuits.
“As Minister of Education, I am delighted to have supported the initial discussions that have enabled these important leadership experiences for our students. This initiative reflects our Government’s deep belief in the power of youth leadership as a catalyst for national development,” Jackson said.
The scholarship support will reduce financial barriers for participating students and allow them to engage in leadership workshops, experiential learning activities, cultural exchanges, networking opportunities, project management, entrepreneurship, and global problem-solving activities.
According to the Consulate, 121 families participated in an online information session about the programme. The session was promoted through the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Innovation; the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Information; and the Ministry of Higher Education, Grenadine Affairs, Local Government, and Airports and Seaports.
Participating schools were given the option of selecting students based on academic performance or opening participation to all interested students. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines chose the latter approach to maximise participation.
Leadership Initiatives Founder and Executive Director Marshall James Bailly II welcomed the partnership, stating that the organisation is committed to reducing financial barriers so students from the Caribbean can participate in leadership development opportunities.
The programme allows students to engage in leadership workshops, experiential learning activities, cultural exchanges, and networking opportunities with professionals, entrepreneurs, and other participants from around the world.
The initiative also includes participation from other Caribbean countries, including Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada, according to the Consulate.
The Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in New York said the partnership forms part of efforts to create opportunities for Vincentian youth through international collaboration, leadership development, and skills-building.
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