From data scientists to artificial intelligence designers, the global demand for skilled employees in STEM fields continues to grow. Lyford Cay Foundations, which has been awarding partial scholarships to deserving Bahamians since the 1980s, has seen a substantial increase in the number of scholarship applicants pursuing degrees in engineering, computer information sciences, mathematics, science, and related fields. In fact, half of the newly award 2024 Lyford Cay scholars are seeking STEM degrees in universities around the world to benefit The Bahamas.

Amber Turner (’22, Contigo Award Scholar) and Charles Hamilton (’08, LCF Undergraduate Award Scholar) are two alumni Lyford Cay Foundations scholars who are using their STEM-based education to make an impact on climate change in The Bahamas. They both believe that higher education has been instrumental in equipping them for the unique challenges of this evolving field.

Amber, who is from Grand Bahama, is an environmental scientist and climate advocate. She founded the social media platform “Miss. Sustainability” to raise awareness about environmental issues and to inspire young Bahamians to take action. Additionally, she co-founded “Artistry in the Archipelago,” a movement that leverages art and culture to educate the community about environmental causes.

Amber graduated from The University of The West Indies in Barbados in 2023 with a Master of Science degree in Natural Resource and Environmental Management. She noted, “I believe that gaining a solid foundation in the science behind climate change – and understanding how scientific principles shape human interactions, cultures and environments – was essential for effective advocacy and policymaking. Higher education provided me with that foundation and opened numerous opportunities for me to engage meaningfully in my field.”

Like Amber, Charles is committed to ensuring that The Bahamas is equipped to combat the effects of climate change. He received a Lyford Cay Foundations scholarship to pursue his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. A summer internship at The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a job at the Pan American Health Organization opened his eyes to how he could combine science, diplomacy and communications. The job also propelled him into work that addressed climate change, health and water security.

Now as the climate change advisor in The Office of the Prime Minister, Charles works to improve regional and international advocacy for The Bahamas. His role has included providing representation at key climate change meetings and serving as the lead negotiator for the 39 members of the Alliance of Small Island States in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt.

Charles describes his experiences as “humbling”. He said: “I’ve spoken to young people to encourage them to pursue a university education. I wanted to let them know that someone like me, who has experience getting water from the community pump and having my power disconnected, can positively impact our nation.”

Amber could not agree more about the impact that higher education makes. “My goal is to make a meaningful, lasting impact that preserves The Bahamas for generations to come,” she says. “I am passionate about educating as many Bahamians as possible because I believe we all have a stake in our future, and education is the key to unlocking that potential.”

• “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.