Jayden Sands, a student at St. John’s University in Minnesota and a recent graduate of St. Augustine’s College is the recipient of the 2026 All Bahamas Merit Scholarship.
Jayden is pursuing a degree in Accounting and Finance at St. John’s University in Minnesota, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. Chester Cooper said during a press conference to announce the recipients of the 2026 All Bahamas Merit Scholarship and the National Merit Scholarships at the Ministry’s Scholarships and Educational Loan Division on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
The Acting Prime Minister also announced that Gary Neely, a recent graduate of Queen’s College has been named the 2026 All Bahamas Merit Scholarship runner-up. Gary is pursuing studies in Mathematics at the University of The Bahamas.
“We congratulate these two exceptional young men on this significant achievement.”
He added, “This year, we also recognize 27 National Merit Scholarship recipients who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and tremendous promise. To every recipient, congratulations.”
The Acting Prime Minister said, “Your achievement reflects your discipline, commitment and determination, but you did not make this journey alone. So, we also congratulate the parents, family, teachers, principals, and guidance counsellors who helped you reach this moment.”
He also noted that the government has budgeted approximately $14 million for scholarships, with about 500 students receiving them.
Chair of the National Scholarship Advisory Committee, Sen. the Hon. Robyn Lynes, explained that the 29 students competing for the 2026 All Bahamas Merit Scholarship award were of a calibre second to none.
The Senator explained that the students needed a minimum of eight A’s in the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education examinations, a minimum 1220 SAT Score and a 3.75 cumulative GPA.
She said the students also had to demonstrate diversity and balance in their activities besides just academic achievement.
The winner will receive $35,000 every year for four years for his Bachelor’s Degree.
The first runner-up will receive $25,000 per year and the National Merit Scholars will receive either $20,000 or $15,000 per year.
The Chair said, “This is a result of the government’s continued commitment to education, the continued commitment to pouring into the most valuable resource that we have in this country, which is our human resource.”
Along with other members of the Advisory Committee attending the press conference were Tonia Ferguson, Administrator at the Scholarship and Educational Loan Division, and Jayden who attended virtually.
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