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Higher Education Opportunities in Clarendon: UCC & Shortwood Showcase

Higher Education Opportunities in Clarendon: UCC & Shortwood Showcase Blog cover image

This edition of the SRC Community Development Live Forum spotlighted accessible higher education pathways in Clarendon, Jamaica, through a special Clarendon Higher Education Virtual Showcase.


Representatives from two leading institutions shared how their programmes are designed to empower working adults, school leavers, and community members looking to upskill:


  • University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC)

  • Shortwood Teachers' College


They provided valuable insights on flexible, accredited, and affordable education programmes available in May Pen, Clarendon.


Community Impact

A powerful reminder of why forums like this matter came from a past viewer:

“If it wasn’t for Serenity Resource Connector, I would not know where to do my Level 3 in Early Childhood.”

That viewer discovered SRC on YouTube, got guidance, enrolled in a local programme, and successfully graduated.


Stories like this reflect SRC’s mission to bridge the information gap and connect people to opportunities that change lives.


Higher Education Opportunities in Clarendon: Featured Institutions & Offerings


University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC)

Speaker: Omar Hall, Regional Recruitment & Enrollment Advisor


Academic Programmes

  • Bachelor’s degrees in:

    • Business (Marketing, Finance, Operations)

    • Law and Humanities

    • Social Work (with Gerontology focus)

    • Applied Psychology (supports community policing & education)


  • Short courses in:

    • Construction

    • Solar Installation


Learning Flexibility

  • Blended: Online + Face-to-face

  • Evening, weekend, and Sunday classes


Financial Support

  • 16 UCC scholarships available

  • Student Loan Bureau partnerships

  • Installment-based payment plans


Career & Entrepreneurship Resources

  • Career Development Department: job placement & prep

  • Entrepreneurship programmes + Business Resource Center


📍 Location: 3 Chapelton Road, May Pen (Downstairs Dr. McCoy's Office)

📞 Call: 876-830-3003 📧 Email: mpregionalrecruiter@ucc.edu.jm 🌐 Website: ucc.edu.jm


Shortwood Teachers' College

Speaker: Dr. Janette Williams, Director of Marketing & Communications


Education-Focused Programmes

  • Associate Degree in Early Childhood (3 years part-time)

  • Bachelor’s Degrees:

    • Early Childhood or Primary Education (4–5 years)

    • Secondary Education: English, Math, Sciences, History, Languages, Human Ecology

  • Advanced Credit Program: 2-year upgrade path for diploma holders

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Education: For non-teachers with degrees


Learning Options

  • Part-time and full-time study

  • Virtual access for local and international students

  • Clarendon Campus: Central High School, May Pen


Practicum & Mentorship

  • Year-by-year practicum support from observation to final-year placement

  • Assigned mentors, school-based cooperating teachers, and faculty advisors


Financial Aid

  • CHASE Fund (for early childhood educators)

  • Ministry scholarships: Math, Science, Early Childhood

  • JAMVAT: Up to 33% of tuition

  • Flexible payment plans


📍 Campus: Central High School, Sevens Road, May Pen

📞 Call: 876-809-0292 📧 Email: janettewilliams@shortwood.edu.jm

🌐 Website: shortwood.edu.jm


Additional Opportunities


HEART/NSTA Trust – Stony Hill Campus

Now accepting applications for September 2025 in:

  • Early Childhood Development

  • Customer Service

  • Housekeeping

  • Business


Alana's Institute (May Pen)

Accepting applicants for 2025–26 Sixth Form Programme:

  • Allied Health (Level 2)

  • Customer Service (Level 2)

  • Administrative Assistant (Level 2)


Take Your Next Step


Here’s what you can do today:

  1. Reach out to UCC or Shortwood directly using the contact info above.

  2. Explore payment plans and scholarship options.

  3. Watch the forum replay and share it with someone who could benefit.

  4. Bookmark this post for quick reference.


Final Word

This showcase proves that quality higher education opportunities are within reach, right here in Clarendon—regardless of age, income, or past experience. Whether you’re returning to school or just getting started, Clarendon’s institutions are ready to support you.

“Education doesn’t stop. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

Let this be your first step.


Stay Connected with SRC

▶️ Watch the forum replay below:



Ready to Apply?

Contact UCC or Shortwood today. Your future is one call or email away.

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