Jamaica STEM Entry Gap Leaves Most CSEC Students Short of Tertiary Requirements

Jamaica’s route into science and technology degrees is under pressure, with roughly 6,000 of the 30,000 students who sit CSEC each year satisfying the standards needed for tertiary education.

University of Technology President Dr Kevin Brown said universities and teachers’ colleges are chasing too few eligible applicants, pointing to a major weakness in the education pathway.

He cautioned that many young Jamaicans are ending up outside the formal school system, a situation he said raises questions about the country’s long-term progress.

Dr Brown wants greater attention placed on mathematics and STEM education so Jamaica can prepare a stronger workforce for a technology-centred economy.