The Jamaican American Connection Trailblazer Scholarship Guidelines 

The Jamaican American Connection, Inc. (“JAC”) was founded in the summer of 2010. JAC’s purpose is to celebrate and preserve the unique Caribbean/West Indian heritage and to promote the positive values and traditions of its people. In furtherance of its purpose, JAC created the Trailblazer Scholarship Program. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and financial need. 

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Trailblazer Scholarship Amounts: 

• One (1)  $5000 

• One (1)  $4000 

• One (1)  $3000 

• Two (2) $2000

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Eligibility Criteria: 

• Applicants must have:

  • Proof of acceptance or current enrollment to college or vocational school

  • Official transcript 

  • Minimum GPA of 2.75

• Residents of the Greater New Haven County

• Born in the West Indies or up to 2nd generation descendent

• Cannot be a recipient of a prior JAC Scholarship

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Essay (Choose 1):

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• How has Caribbean culture influenced your personal and academic journey, and how do you plan to use this cultural background to make a positive impact in your field of study and community?​                                                                         

• What qualities do you possess that makes you stand out from your peers? Why should you be selected as a JAC Scholarship recipient?

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• Write an essay that conveys how being connected to the West Indian community has shaped who you are today.

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Essay Questions:

Minimum of 500 words.

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Application Deadline: 

All applications (including required attachments) must be submitted by May 4, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Trailblazer Scholarship Banquet: 

Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Annual JAC Trailblazer Scholarship Gala.

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