DSC Secures Four Grants as College Strengthens Financial Self-Reliance

The Dominica State College (DSC) is strengthening its efforts to diversify its funding sources, with the College securing support through four grants from the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), Mercy Corps and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL).

The grants will support initiatives aligned with key institutional priorities, including capacity building, policy strengthening, online learning development, technology and campus infrastructure, while creating additional opportunities to enhance the student and staff experience.

One of the grants already announced is a US$20,000 award from ARIN, which is supporting the establishment of the DSC Youth Internet Governance Lab through the College’s Innovation Hub.

The initiative will give students hands-on experience in addressing campus connectivity

challenges while developing skills in technology, research and Internet governance.

The Dominica State College is pleased to benefit from another grant in partnership with Mercy Corps, funded by the United States Government. A core pillar of the partnership between Mercy Corps and Dominica State College (DSC) is the creation and integration of the Wood Innovation Studio, established under the Caribbean United programme.

This specialized studio is designed to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, providing students with a hands-on learning hub focused on sustainable carpentry, design, and localized fabrication. By introducing cutting-edge tools alongside entrepreneurial training, the studio will help transform local wood resources into employment opportunities while equipping young people with practical, market-driven skills to support economic independence and foster grassroots innovation across Dominica.

The College is also continuing its partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), with support focused on policy strengthening and the development of online learning. This collaboration is expected to contribute to the College’s efforts to further strengthen its capacity for online and flexible learning.

Meanwhile, through BNTF's Cycle 11, DSC is set to benefit from support toward a campus infrastructural enhancement project, contributing to ongoing efforts to improve the College’s physical environment and facilities.

The growing success in securing external funding forms part of DSC’s broader effort to become more self-reliant and diversify its sources of financial support, while creating additional resources to advance institutional development.

Through partnerships with grant-making and development organizations, DSC continues to pursue opportunities that support innovation, institutional strengthening, infrastructure, technology and improved learning experiences.

These four grants represent an important step in the College’s ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable, resource-diverse and resilient institution.

DSC acknowledges the grant mobilization efforts of Malisa Richards, under the supervision of Dr. Hermancia Eugene-Zamore, through the Office of Academic Affairs, which have contributed to securing this valuable opportunity for the College and its students.