The Tribune

Ka’Lon Duncanson knows the value of determination. This Lyford Cay Foundations scholar applied three times before being awarded the highly competitive Sir Godfrey Kenneth Kelly Graduate Scholarship, a scholarship which supports students who are both academically strong and civic-minded. Now as he pursues his dream to create a stronger Bahamas, he believes the wait was worth it.

Duncanson is pursuing his Master of Arts in economics/economic development at the University of Southern Mississippi. In this programme, Duncanson explores topics that include regrowing regional economies, fostering job creation, supporting entrepreneurial networks and growing infrastructures. He envisions himself returning to The Bahamas and applying the knowledge he’s gained to help create a stronger Bahamas.

But before Duncanson was a visionary graduate student, he was a young man from Grand Bahama searching for more.

“Growing up in my community there weren’t many role models who were pursuing education,” said Duncanson. “It’s hard to get out when you are in an environment where everyone is doing the same thing.”

Unlike many, Duncanson did have a loving mentor who encouraged him to strive for higher education. “I spent a lot of time with my grandfather. He was a small business owner and a reverend in Freeport. He didn’t have the opportunity to go off to school, but he always wanted his grandchildren to get an education,” shared Duncanson. “I’m the first one to actually go off to college.”

Duncanson’s path to graduate school was non-traditional. After attending St George’s High School, he applied to Lyford Cay Foundations for a technical scholarship to study underwater welding in Canada. He was excited to receive the scholarship but was unable to enrol due to a myriad of circumstances.

Disappointed but undaunted, Duncanson enrolled in classes at University of The Bahamas-North. Then with a clearer vision of his goals, he applied to University of Southern Mississippi to pursue his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He once again applied for a Lyford Cay Foundations scholarship but was unsuccessful.

Although he didn’t obtain the scholarship, Duncanson excelled in his undergraduate programme. He demonstrated his leadership skills in several university organisations including as the founder of the Fins and Flippers aquatics club, a member of the Student Advisory Council and president of the Student Government Association – all while being a student employee with the Office of Student Affairs. His involvement inspired him to take the next step.

“In undergrad I worked hard to establish a strong foundation and community at my university. I had a great relationship with my professors and after learning about the graduate programme in economic development, I thought ‘I’m passionate about this subject and want to do this.’”

Now with his goals closely aligned with the Foundations’ efforts to help fill gaps in the country through education, Duncanson was awarded a scholarship in 2024.

“My advice to students who are considering applying for a Lyford Cay Foundations scholarship is to just apply! Don’t count yourself out,” said Duncanson. “If you don’t receive a scholarship on the first try apply again later. You must have the motivation to continue to move forward.”

Duncanson is one of 32 determined and visionary Bahamians who were awarded a Lyford Cay Foundations scholarship last year and a total of 75 Scholars supported by the Foundations in 2024. In total, the Foundation’s Scholarships programme awarded nearly $1m to new and returning scholars last year.

Lyford Cay Foundations’ Scholarship portal will open for 2025 applications on Friday, February 14th. Applications will be accepted for graduate, undergraduate and technical awards in fields that will directly impact The Bahamas.

Those interested are encouraged to visit www.lyfordcayfoundations.org to learn more and apply.

• “Gain An Edge is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.