The Spanish Town High School, a participant in the National Baking Company Foundation (NBCF)/Building Out Our Stem Teachers (BOOST) programme, has received a substantial investment in STEM equipment valued at JMD$440,000. The donation, made possible by Digicel Foundation (JMD$400,000.00) and Chemical Medical and Scientific Supplies (CMSS) (JMD$40,000.00), was officially presented at a ceremony held on June 13, 2023, at Spanish Town High School. The handover represented part of the commitment of The UWI/NBCF BOOST programme to support schools where BOOST Fellows are employed teaching STEM subjects. The BOOST programme is a ‘one-of-a-kind’ back-end incentivised scholarship programme which places tertiary graduates in high schools with need for STEM teachers for up to three years.

Mr. Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams, the Director of Strategic Planning and Community Development at Digicel Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership between the BOOST programme and other stakeholders. "At the Digicel Foundation, we believe in the power of STEM education to transform lives,” Williams said. “We are thrilled to partner with The UWI, particularly the Faculties of Science and Technology and Humanities and Education, to provide STEM equipment to secondary schools across the island. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future." Digicel Foundation has committed a remarkable JMD$3 million in STEM equipment grants to schools participating in the BOOST programme,” Williams added.

Dr. Andre Coy, Associate Dean, External Engagement, Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona acknowledged the significance of academia-private-public partnerships in improving STEM education in Jamaica. "The vision of the National Baking Company Foundation, the main BOOST sponsors, and the enthusiasm of the BOOST STEM Equipment partners, The Digicel Foundation and Chemical, Medical and Scientific Supplies, are essential components of this academia-private-public partnership, working to improve STEM education in Jamaica,’ Coy commented. “This donation of STEM equipment and supplies will go some way in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning at Spanish Town High. We encourage other private sector partners to join with us in making an impact on the STEM education landscape," he said.

CMSS, the newest partner of the BOOST programme, has demonstrated its commitment to STEM education. CMSS has pledged an additional 10% of every JMD$100,000 spent on STEM equipment by the Digicel Foundation, further strengthening the programme's efforts. Mr. Devon Patterson and Ms. Lisa-Kaye Hibbert represented the CMSS team during the ceremony.

Expressing profound gratitude, Mr. Leopold Porter, the Acting Principal of Spanish Town High School, emphasized the positive impact of the generous donation. He stated, "This act of kindness will inspire students, especially those underserved, to take a deeper interest in their academics, knowing that they now have access to much-needed STEM equipment that will enhance their learning experiences." Similar sentiments were conveyed by Ms. Shevanese Grant, Head Girl of Spanish Town High School, in her vote of thanks. Mrs. Keesha Walker, the former Head of the Science Department and current Vice Principal, was also lauded for her unwavering dedication and commitment to the development of the STEM program at the institution.

The handing over ceremony was also attended by Ms. Lauri-Ann Samuels, the Executive Director of the National Baking Company Foundation (NBCF) and her team. NBCF are the principal sponsors of the BOOST programme. Samuels lauded the collaborative efforts of Digicel Foundation, CMSS, and other partners, recognizing their unique contributions to the programme's success. She emphasised that “this collaboration represents a direct investment in Jamaica's STEM ecosystem, which is pivotal for both national and regional development”. The NBCF further showed their gratitude by gifting baskets of appreciation to the STEM teachers, Principal and Vice principal in attendance.

Since 2021, four talented BOOST Fellows, Ms. Leshaine Dixon, Ms. Natalia Reynolds, Ms. Shadae Smith, and Ms. Georgiann Polack have been serving as teachers in the Life Sciences and Mathematics subject areas at Spanish Town High School. Their expertise and dedication have significantly enriched the students' learning experiences and fostered a passion for STEM fields. They are a part of a wider cadre of thirty (30) current BOOST Fellows currently teaching STEM subjects in twenty-six (26) schools across Jamaica.

The donation of STEM equipment to Spanish Town High School signifies a strong commitment to ensuring quality STEM education in Jamaica. Having these valuable resources further equips the school with the resources to empower students, encourage active learning, foster creativity and innovation, and prepare students for the opportunities that lie ahead in our increasingly technology-driven society.

The BOOST programme extends its continued appreciation to its other partners, including the Ministry of Education and Youth, Student Loans Bureau, Jamaica Teaching Council, National Education Inspectorate, American Friends of Jamaica, and National Commercial Bank Foundation. Their invaluable contributions strengthen the programme’s impact on STEM education in Jamaica. Through strategic partnerships, the BOOST programme aims to cultivate a culture of excellence in STEM teaching and learning in Jamaica.