The American Chemical Society (ACS) Jamaica Student Chapter in the Department of Chemistry, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona continues to strengthen pathways into tertiary education through purposeful outreach and student support initiatives. With funding from an ACS Student Communities Engagement Grant valued at USD 1,000, the Chapter implemented a two-part programme focused on secondary school engagement and student wellness.
As part of its outreach efforts, the Chapter donated more than 30 care packages to students and teachers at William Knibb Memorial High School (WKM). On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Chapter members, accompanied by co-faculty advisors Dr Andrea Goldson-Barnaby and Dr Ainka Brown, visited the school to present the items and engage students in discussions about academic pathways in chemistry. Students were introduced to the programmes and opportunities offered by the Department of Chemistry and were able to ask questions about applying to the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST). This visit aligned with the Day Trip for the 30th Mona Symposium, providing WKM students with a rare opportunity to interact with visiting international chemists, UWI faculty members, and both graduate and undergraduate students. Such exposure plays a critical role in demystifying tertiary education and inspiring secondary-level students to envision themselves in university-level science programmes.
Beyond recruitment and awareness, the Chapter also prioritised student well-being as an essential component of academic success. On Thursday, January 8, 2026, grant funds supported a Student Wellness Session led by Dr Jhodi Bowie Dean, psychologist and lecturer in the Faculty of Social Sciences at The UWI, Mona. The highly interactive, hybrid session focused on stress management and coping strategies, recognising the increasing pressures faced by students navigating academic life. Members of the UWI St Augustine ACS Student Chapter joined virtually, reinforcing regional collaboration and peer support across campuses.
