The Jersey College Foundation (JCG Foundation), in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education and the Department of Youth Affairs, has announced the second Leadership and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (LEAP) scholarship for Antigua and Barbuda. The scholarship will allow one deserving Antiguan and Barbudan female student to attend the LEAP 2025 Summer leadership programme on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands.
In 2024, the scholarship recipient, Ms Jo-Anna Gasper, was accompanied to Jersey by the Deputy Director of Education Dr E. Jonah Greene. High Commissioner, Karen-Mae Hill who developed this partnership with the JCG Foundation, delivered the keynote speech on the opening day of the programme and will do so again in 2025.
The first scholarship winner, Jo-Anna Gasper, shared her experience: “Attending the LEAP Programme in Jersey was a transformative experience that expanded my perspective on business and personal growth. I was able to enhance my leadership skills, which I have since applied to my business. Working with other teens from all over the world and networking with entrepreneurs taught me how to market my brand, identify my target audience, and share my country’s unique culture. My time in Jersey gave me the confidence to push forward with my goals, knowing that success is built on knowledge, resilience, and community.”
Alison Morgan, the CEO of the JCG Foundation, the charity which runs LEAP, stressed, “At the Jersey College for Girls Foundation, we believe in the power of young women to shape a better future. Our LEAP programme isn’t just about business; it’s about building confident, resilient leaders who can tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. We’re equipping girls with the confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills they need to make a real difference. We very much look forward to welcoming [Dr Greene] to Jersey and LEAP. It is also our great pleasure to have High Commissioner Hill as one of our key note speakers at LEAP Jersey for a second year.”
The LEAP Scholarship, which covers flights, accommodation, food, course fees and attendance of the LEAP programme, is open to any female Antiguan and Barbudan student age 14 to 18.
The student will work with delegates from all over the world on designing, scoping and then pitching a social enterprise project to a team of investors. The scholarship recipient will receive training on business development, social impact, entrepreneurship, and leadership from CEOs, managing directors and other experts. In addition, the scholar will form international friendships and connections. The funding available will also cover a teacher to accompany the recipient and participate in the programme.
Application instructions
To apply, you must submit a video to leap@jcgfoundation.com that includes the following details:
- Who you are
- Where you are from
- What ‘leadership’ and ‘female empowerment’ means to you
- Which of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would you like to develop a social
enterprise for
- What you are hoping to develop about yourself from participating in LEAP 2025
- Why you should win a full scholarship sponsorship to attend the programme
Videos should be no more than 4 minutes long and should illustrate your unique self.
Programme Details
- Location: Radisson Hotel, Jersey, Channel Islands
- Dates: Thursday 10th – Thursday 17th July 2025
- Participants: Age 14-18 (Girls only)
- Scholarship covers flights, course fees, food and accommodation
- Submission Deadline: 25th March 2025.
The deadline for the application is midnight on Tuesday 25th March 2025.
