SEARCH Programme
Launched in 1993, SEARCH assists outstanding Bahamian students in the college application process and matches them with top schools abroad to secure funding for their studies. So far, it has helped more than 400 young people obtain almost $13 million in scholarships from colleges and universities in North America.
SEARCH also seeks candidates for the President’s Scholars Programme (PSP) at The College of The Bahamas. PSP is a unique four-year scholarship and personal development initiative which helps students cultivate their leadership skills and develop effective partnerships with peers, faculty, alumni and the greater community while encouraging them to be involved in academic, social and service oriented activities.
At the beginning of each academic year, the Foundations work with guidance counselors at local high schools to identify the most promising graduating students.
To be considered, applicants must have:
- A GPA of at least 3.5 (3.3 at COB)
- A minimum SAT score of 1100
- 8 BGCSEs with at least 5 As
- Three or more advanced level examinations (such as AP) with grades of A-C
An independent panel will also evaluate candidates for personal qualities including their level of maturity and motivation, communication skills and career plans.
Approximately 60% of interviewees are accepted.
More than 100 colleges and universities participate in SEARCH, including Beloit, Duke, Harvard, Lehigh, Macalester, Richmond and Vassar in the United States, and Acadia, King’s, McGill, St Thomas and Trent in Canada.
Acceptance into the SEARCH programme does not guarantee applicants a scholarship from the Foundations.
The deadline for applications to SEARCH is mid-September of each year.
Students wishing to know more about SEARCH are encouraged to speak to their guidance counselors.
