As the years go by volunteerism, summer camps and internship experiences become increasingly important for Jamaican youth.
Here are some programs that you can consider:
Advocacy
JYAN – Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network
Talk Up Yout
Girls Who Know
U-Report
Visual & Performing Arts
JANN – Jamaica Animation Nation Network
Kingston Toon Fest
JAFTA – Jamaica Film & Television Association
GATFFEST – Annual Film Festival
CPTC MTI (Classes)
ICreate (Classes)
Edna Manley – Summer Dance, Visual Arts & Drama Classes
National Art Gallery – Art Programs (Usually in January and Summer)
Engineering, Computer Science & Technology
SPISE = Student Program for Innovation in Science & Engineering
Pre-UWI Engineering Camp
Youth Can Do IT
Microsoft Digi Girlz High Tech Camp
Google Computer Science Summer Institute
Coders of The Caribbean Hackathon put on by Next Gen Creators
Women in ICT Hackathon
Diamond Challenge
Mixed Program – Dream Jamaica Summer Program (offers SAT prep & internships)
Outreach and Service
Outreach Outlet
Operation Help the People
Feeding of the 5000
Positive.org
Plant Jamaica
Volunteer Programmes
JSPCA – Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Hope Zoo
SRC Science Fair
Hospitals – UWI, Apex, Medial Associates or Bustamante
Job Placement
National Youth Service
HEART Trust NTA
Writing
The Gleaner’s Youthlink
The Observer’s TeenAge
There are other magazines and publications if you research.
Online Courses
Harvard edX, Coursera or Alison
(Offer classes in a wide range of subjects from programming to leadership and critical thinking)
Special Tip: Though companies may have formal internship/volunteer programs, it doesn’t hurt to approach institutions independently asking to help.
