Future Energy Experts

Induction Ceremony Held for DIPT-RESDP SAP Scholarship Recipients

On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) and the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport (DIPT) hosted an induction ceremony to mark the award of scholarships under the DIPT-RESDP SAP. The ceremony inducted 12 new awardees, who will pursue studies within the Engineering Department of SALCC, in the programme during the 2025/2026 academic year.

The newly awarded scholarships support young women undertaking associate degree programmes in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Systems, and Automotive Engineering, as well as certificate-level training in Electrical Installation, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, and Air Conditioning Systems.

The initiative forms part of the RESDP’s gender integration component which seeks to reduce the gender gap in technical and engineering-related employment within the energy sector.

The scholarships provide comprehensive support to beneficiaries covering tuition, a laptop, uniforms, school supplies, tool kits, and transportation for the duration of their studies. In addition, recipients are afforded the opportunity to participate in an extended paid apprenticeship within the energy sector, strengthening their practical skills and employability upon completion of their programmes.

Since its inception, the scholarship programme has supported multiple cohorts of young women pursuing technical and engineering careers, contributing to increased female participation in traditionally male-dominated fields. The induction ceremony underscored the Government of Saint Lucia’s continued commitment to gender equity, skills development, and the sustainable growth of the renewable energy sector.

DIPT- RESDP SAP Scholarship Recipients Excel at SALCC

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, SALCC hosted its 39th Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the academic achievements of its graduating class. Among the graduates were ten recipients of the DIPT- RESDP SAP, who successfully completed their programmes of study.

One of the standout performers was Rhea Raoul, who topped her programme in Computer Systems Engineering, demonstrating exceptional academic excellence and dedication throughout her course of Study.

The DIPT-RESDP SAP is an initiative aimed at reducing the gender gap in energy-related fields by providing young women with access to higher education and skills training. The programme continues to play a critical role in expanding opportunities for female students pursuing studies in engineering and related disciplines.

Building on this success, an additional twelve scholarships were awarded for the 2025/2026 academic year to young women enrolled at SALCC. These scholarships support studies at the associate degree level in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Systems and Automotive Engineering, as well as certificate-level programmes in Electrical Installation, Motor Vehicle Mechanics and Air Conditioning Systems within the Engineering Unit.

Speaking on the achievements of the graduates, Dominic Alexander, representative of the DIPT-RESDP, expressed pride in the scholarship recipients. “Their success is a strong reflection of their commitment and hard work. We are proud to support these young women and look forward to their continued success,” he stated. He further noted that their accomplishments highlight the importance of initiatives such as the DIPT-RESDP SAP in creating pathways to long-term professional growth.

The DIPT commends all scholarship recipients who successfully completed their programmes and celebrates their contribution to academic excellence and national development.

For more information and updates on the DIPT-RESDP SAP, visit the project’s website at www.sluresdp.com.