Iberostar puts education first with $3-m support for employees’ families

Staff members and parents of the Iberostar Rose Hall team join the 15 awardees of the hotel’s PEP Scholarship Programme and Back-to-School Book Initiative for a photo following the presentation ceremony. REINFORCING its commitment to creating a supportive workplace while investing in the education of Jamaica’s youth, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has continued to recognise the academic achievements of employees’ children through its PEP (Primary Exit Profile) Scholarship Programme and Back-to-School Book Initiative. Through the initiative the company and the Iberostar Jamaica Staff Association awarded 15 PEP scholarships, totalling $625,000, and distributed 300 book vouchers valued at $8,000 each — representing a combined investment of just over $3 million in the educational success of employees’ families. The scholarship recipients, all children of Iberostar employees, attained scores of 320 (80 per cent) or higher in the 2026 PEP Examination, and were recognised for their outstanding academic achievement, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. During the ceremony students and their families were celebrated for the dedication that led to their success, underscoring the importance of hard work, discipline, and a strong support system in achieving educational goals. Under the scholarship programme the top five recipients each received $50,000 from Iberostar while the Iberostar Jamaica Staff Association also awarded $50,000 each to an additional five recipients. The remaining five scholarship recipients each received $25,000, helping to ease the transition into high school while encouraging them to continue striving for academic excellence. Complementing the scholarship programme, Iberostar also extended support to employees through its Back-to-School Book Initiative. Recognising that the start of a new school year often brings significant expenses for families, the initiative was designed to help offset the cost of purchasing essential textbooks and educational supplies. As part of the programme book vouchers were distributed to children aged three to 17 years. These vouchers were redeemable at the Henderson Bookstore for employees in the Montego Bay region, and Cat D’s Bookstore for employees in the Trelawny region. Modielle Calder, director of human resources of Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica, said the initiative reflects its belief that investing in people extends beyond the workplace and includes supporting the educational aspirations of employees’ families. “At Iberostar we recognise that our employees’ families are also an important part of who we are. By celebrating students who have excelled academically while also providing practical back-to-school support for other families, we are investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators and change makers,” said Calder. “Education opens doors, and we are proud to play a role in helping our employees’ children pursue their goals with confidence and the resources they need to succeed,” added Calder. She said the PEP Scholarship Programme and Back-to-School Book Initiative form part of Iberostar’s broader commitment to employee well-being, recognising that supporting families contributes to a more engaged and empowered workforce. “Through initiatives that celebrate achievement and provide meaningful assistance the company continues to foster a workplace culture built on care, opportunity and shared success. “Success is built through consistent encouragement and access to opportunity. We hope these scholarships and book vouchers not only ease the financial burden on families but also inspire every student to continue working towards their dreams,” declared Calder.