“AIM High, Win Big…”
As technology and communication bring the world closer, Jamaican students have become increasingly aware that they are part of an intricately woven global community.
Now more than ever, young scholars are held to the highest international standards, leaving them in hot pursuit of a competitive edge.
For most Jamaicans, accessing the opportunities offered through overseas study can feel like a distant dream.
This year, however, AIM students have proven that with hard work, application savvy and the right college list it is possible to get in, and get scholarships, to top US, Canadian and European universities.
This year, AIM students edged out millions to gain acceptance to highly competitive US institutions including Columbia, Cornell, MIT, U Penn, Princeton, Stanford and Yale Universities – colleges that accept as little as 4% of applicants globally.
Although funds available for international students have steadily declined over the past few years, AIMers like Jenine Shepherd defied the odds earning a ‘full-ride’ worth over $24 million to Amherst College for the next 4 years.
From the tradtitional fields of medicine and engineering to the roads-less traveled of film, photography and design, come September AIM students will be spread across the globe pursuing their passions.
AIM student-athlete and Munro student Andre Hendricks received a scholarship established by Richard and Melda Murray, Canadian nationals who spent 11 years in Jamaica as civil engineers building over 17 bridges, constructing schools, repairing police stations and contributing to local development. The scholarship, established in 2010, is aimed at training a new generation of engineers to “build the future of Jamaica”. Hendricks also received an athletic scholarship from Dalhousie and will be on the track and field team there.
While it is true that AIM students receive world class education, there is more to their success than their inherent talent. According to AIM director Nicole Campbell, herself a Princeton graduate, “Many talented students apply to university overseas each year but AIM students benefit from the unique skill set of our team, including former admissions officers, because we understand the admissions process of these schools and are able to source and recommend scholarships.
Beyond admission, we build relationships and advocate and negotiate on students’ behalf at many schools. We also empower students to advocate for themselves. Academic achievement is important, but we work on developing the whole student – starting with our Reading Club in 1st form. We give students the tools to stand out and get chosen from the sea of applicants.” AIM students and families are advised on how to develop competitive profiles, find the right fit college,prep for overseas entrance tests (SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ACT) and navigate unfamiliar terrain of financial aid applications, not to mention the often daunting “college essay”.
“A good fit is so important” says Campbell, “You have to know not only what your students want, but what colleges are looking for, and that could be anything from personality type to extracurricular activities. It is also very important to us that we identify potential in a student and help them financially if that is what it takes.
The newly-established AIM Higher Foundation will do just that by providing support to high potential, low income students in accessing scholarships for tertiary education, both locally and overseas. Over the years, AIM has provided scholarships to students to take college prep and SAT classes – these students currently study at Wesleyan, Howard and Harvard, to name a few. One AIM scholar benefited from full grant funding from Howard University, a plane ticket from Delta Airlines, clothing and luggage from well-thinking Jamaicans, and on the ground support with dorm supplies from Jamaican Howard alums in DC. Another had college bedding mailed to her, from an AIM parent.
“There is so much goodwill out there as it relates to education and the Foundation will give Jamaicans, and non-Jamaicans, the chance to play a part, in cash or kind, in the success of deserving students. Everyone needs a chance”, Campbell points out.
AIM prides itself on the ability to nurture the wide range of skills and talents they are presented with, and educates students and parents on paths they haven’t considered, emerging careers and opportunities.
Student Sayan Johnston says, “My admission to Pratt brings me one step closer to realizing my dream of pursuing a career in the creative field – right now I plan to study Photography but am interested in Design and Styling. I am really grateful to have been at AIM where I wasn’t pushed aside because of my non-traditional interests,the creative industry is a multi billion dollar industry worldwide and at AIM they take all disciplines seriously. Now I get to train in an environment which will help me to meet my full potential.”
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