WATA opens 2026 Hydrate to Educate nominations with $12 million for students and schools

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The WATA brand has opened nominations for the 2026 staging of its Hydrate to Educate initiative, a programme that will channel more than $12 million into student grants and school development across the island.

Under the 2026 plan, 30 secondary-level students will each receive $200,000 to assist with expenses such as tuition, textbooks, transportation and other school-related costs. A further 14 institutions will benefit from campus development grants, with five schools in the western parishes receiving $1 million apiece and nine others across the country receiving $200,000 each.

Brittany Thwaites, brand manager of the WATA portfolio at Wisynco Group, said the initiative remains anchored in the view that educational support must reach both learners and the institutions serving them.

“Hydrate to Educate is rooted in the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue their education with the support they need. Each year, we see how much this assistance means to students, families and schools, and we are proud to continue expanding the programme in a way that reaches more communities across Jamaica,” Thwaites said.

She pointed out that the timing of the 2026 cycle is particularly significant for schools in parts of western Jamaica still rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa.

“For 2026, we also wanted to ensure that support is extended to schools in western parishes impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Education is one of the strongest foundations for recovery and progress, and through this initiative, WATA is helping to create more supportive spaces for students to learn, grow and move forward,” Thwaites added.

Nominations for student awards are open to candidates from any parish and can be put forward by parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, community members or anyone able to attest to a student’s need. Submissions are expected to detail the nominee’s financial situation, personal background and how the grant would aid their schooling.

At the institutional level, the school grants are earmarked for projects that improve the learning environment, including infrastructure upgrades, resource development and other campus needs. A share of this year’s funding has been ring-fenced for institutions in the western parishes hit by Hurricane Melissa to assist with rebuilding and strengthening their campuses.

Nominations close on June 30, 2026. Persons interested in submitting a nomination or learning more can visit educate.wisynco.com.