#Jamaica #Kingston #GraceKennedy #Birthright

GraceKennedy Invites Jamaican Diaspora Students to Discover Their Roots

Date: September 1, 2026
Location: Kingston, Jamaica

GraceKennedy Ltd has officially launched a new call for applications to its prestigious Birthright Programme for 2027, aimed at university students of Jamaican descent from the diaspora. The program seeks to immerse these participants in the vibrant culture and traditions of Jamaica, allowing them to foster connections with their heritage in a meaningful and substantial way.

The Birthright Programme, which has been operating since 2004, has already welcomed over 60 young individuals from various global locations into its fold. The selected students are granted an all-expenses-paid adventure that spans six weeks, blending internship opportunities within GraceKennedy’s operational framework with multifaceted cultural explorations across the island. By doing so, participants not only gain valuable professional experience but also an intimate understanding of the nation’s rich history and diverse traditions.

Kyrah McIntosh, a participant from the 2025 cohort and a student at Liverpool Hope University in the UK, reflects positively on her journey: "Participating in the GraceKennedy Birthright Programme provided me with invaluable professional exposure, but the richest aspect of the experience was immersing myself in Jamaica's culture and history. For the first time, I truly felt connected to my roots, and it felt like coming home."

CEO of GraceKennedy, Frank James, encapsulated the sentiment behind the initiative by stating, "This is not just an internship; it’s an opportunity to uncover your origins while shaping your future. Through the Birthright Programme, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders who will carry Jamaica’s legacy around the globe.”

For the 2027 installment, GraceKennedy aims to select four candidates from the diaspora, with two spots reserved for applicants from the United States, one from Canada, and another from the United Kingdom. Shortlisted candidates can look forward to face-to-face interviews held in Miami, New York, Toronto, and London in spring 2027. Announcements regarding successful candidates will be made just ahead of the program’s commencement in June.

Eligibility criteria stipulate that applicants must be second or third-generation Jamaicans between the ages of 18 and 25, currently enrolled at a university in one of the mentioned countries. Interested students are encouraged to submit their applications by the deadline of November 30, 2026. For additional details about the program, students can visit GraceKennedy’s official website or reach out via email to [email protected].

The 2026 program was unfortunately postponed due to the impact of Hurricane Melissa but has now been reimagined as an even greater opportunity for the next generation.

Through this initiative, GraceKennedy continues to solidify its commitment to reconnecting individuals with their Jamaican heritage and fostering personal and professional development opportunities for young adults across the world. This cantilevered experience promises participants not only professional credibility and exposure but also the chance to cherish the vibrancy of Jamaican culture firsthand, forging connections that defy geographical distance and deepen familial ties. Don’t miss the chance to embark on a transformative journey back to your roots with GraceKennedy’s Birthright Programme 2027.