PACT awards BZ$150,000 in Academic Grants to Belizean Students
Belmopan, Belize, November 8, 2024 ─ Today, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) awarded BZ$150,000 in academic grants to 19 youth pursuing studies at tertiary institutions across Belize. Financial support is provided under PACT’s Youth Academic Support Grant program, which awards BZ$5,000 grants to students in associate programs and BZ$10,000 grants to students in bachelor’s programs.
This year’s beneficiaries include eight students at the associate level and 11 at bachelor’s level enrolled in a range of academic programs, including Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Biology and Chemistry, Veterinary Technology, Business Science, Marketing, Agriculture, Social Work, and Hospitality and Tourism Management. These students represent Corozal Junior College, Galen University, Independence Junior College, Sacred Heart Junior College, and the University of Belize.
In his keynote address, Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, said, “The Youth Academic Support Grant Program is more than a financial contribution—it’s an investment in the leaders of tomorrow.” He added that the grant recipients “will be a part of our mission to protect Belize’s incredible biodiversity, support sustainable livelihoods, and build resilience against climate change.”
The Youth Academic Support Program was launched in November 2023 and is a testament to PACT’s commitment to securing the future of Belize’s National Protected Areas System through investments in tomorrow’s conservation leaders.
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For more information, contact:
Jeanelle Mencias
Communications and Marketing Manager
822-3637
About the Protected Areas Conservation Trust
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) is a statutory organization established as a Trust Fund under the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act, Chapter 218 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020. Since its establishment in 1995 as Belize’s national Conservation Trust Fund, PACT has been at the forefront of conservation efforts in Belize, with significant legislative amendments in 2002, 2015, and 2017 enhancing its mandate. Sourcing funds nationally and internationally, PACT contributes to financing the sustainable management and development of Belize’s natural and cultural heritage through support to the government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations that manage Belize’s National Protected Areas System.