FREEPORT - Eighteen Bahamian students are now enrolled at colleges and universities here and abroad after been selected as recipients of scholarships from the Bahamas Oil Refining Company International Ltd (BORCO).
Since its inception in 1991, the BORCO scholarship program has utilized over $150K annually to assist many Bahamians to fulfill their dream of attending university. One such institution is Kettering University, which through its Educational Experience Co-Op program allows students to spend their first four years alternating three-month terms attending classes on campus and then working for their co-op employers like BORCO.
Hilniqua Gibson, an 18-year-old sophomore studying mechanical engineering at Kettering University, is currently completing her three-month co-op work at BORCO as a part of her scholarship requirements. Hilniqua is one of two females who was awarded the BORCO scholarship last year and enrolled at Kettering University.
"Coming in I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but so far I'm enjoying my time here and the experience overall has been a very enriching one," said Gibson. "I worked very hard to get here and I learned more about engineering here than in the classroom and that is the number one thing I love about being enrolled in this program."
Kettering University, located in Flint, Michigan is a top-ranked United States university and one of the first to offer a co-operative education experience. The goal of the co-op program is to help students develop a strong and positive correlation between the academic program at the school and the educational experience, while also developing positive work-related habits that integrate the student into a productive and professional role with their employer.
During Gibson's three-month co-op she worked in the maintenance department at BORCO. "You have this general thought that you're just going to be working with a specific group of people," noted Gibson. "But thanks to BORCO, when you get here you're introduced to the management side, the health and safety department, how important it is to do your job safely and how many people's lives you can affect."
Ryan Herry, BORCO maintenance manager, is a product of the co-op program and was the first graduate from Kettering ever hired by BORCO who would have undergone the experiential learning program. "This program has developed my professional skills and has enabled me to apply what was learnt at Kettering to the workplace," Herry stated. "I have seen and can say that I know from experience the tremendous advantage this program has offered the co-op students compared to other institutions that only provide traditional classroom learning."
Kim Pratt, BORCO business coordinator, said the relationship between BORCO and Kettering University is an excellent one, which the company continues to maintain. "Successful applicants who have gone through this program have expressed that if it wasn't for BORCO giving them this opportunity they may not have been able to attend university, or get the practical work experience that has helped them succeed in school," said Pratt. "We are thrilled we can empower young Bahamians by offering assistance with tertiary level education and bring them home to work through the Kettering program, where they can apply what was learned in the classroom to the workplace."

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