THE Ministry of Education has reported that over the past five years it spent more than $3.6 billion assisting 11,245 tertiary students through a range of scholarships, grants, and work-study programmes.

In written responses to questions from the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) tabled on Wednesday, the ministry said the funding was disbursed under its Tertiary Students’ Assistance Programme (TSAP), which provides scholarships, financial grants, and support through the Jamaica Values and Attitudes (JAMVAT) Programme.

The ministry said TSAP is intended to reduce financial barriers for vulnerable students while increasing participation in areas considered critical to Jamaica’s workforce and economic development.