The American University of Antigua has donated 20 whiteboards and a batch of flip charts to the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, reinforcing its role as a consistent supporter of local education.
According to Antigua.news, the donation arrives just ahead of the new academic year, with at least 10 of the whiteboards valued at more than $1,000 each. Much of the equipment is earmarked for the college's incoming School of Agriculture.
ABCAS President Dr. Ezra Jonah Greene welcomed the gift, describing it as significant in both monetary and classroom terms. "So we are talking about a significant donation," Greene said. "And we didn't only get the whiteboards, we got some smaller ones, and we got quite a few of the flip charts."
Greene characterised AUA as a long-standing philanthropic partner in education, placing the latest contribution within a broader pattern of giving from the medical school to the wider learning community. She said the flip charts would support short courses and group work, while the whiteboards would improve the learning environment across classrooms.
The timing is notable. ABCAS is preparing to launch its School of Agriculture associate degree programme for the coming year, and Greene framed agricultural sustainability as a national priority and one of the most critical areas of focus for Antigua and Barbuda.
Greene said Cabinet had agreed to provide whatever the school needed to begin operating, and that the Board of Education would support the necessary infrastructure work under a pathway established by Education Minister Daryll Matthew. She encouraged residents to apply, describing the programme as an opportunity for those seeking certification, a career in agriculture, or a path to self-employment.
The donation also coincides with a landmark moment for ABCAS. The college is preparing to graduate its first cohort, with more than 200 students set to complete their studies this year. Rather than a single ceremony, the college has organised a series of milestone events, including a graduation social, an honours evening, and a grad summit designed to connect graduates with the business community.
The summit will bring students together with entrepreneurs, scholarship providers, regional universities, and prospective employers, and will include support for curriculum vitae reviews and interview preparation. The University of the West Indies, Monroe College, and AUA are among the institutions expected to participate — highlighting AUA's continued engagement beyond the equipment donation.
ABCAS has confirmed it is now recruiting its next intake of students, with early-bird applications open until 30 June. Greene encouraged prospective applicants to apply through the college's social media pages or in person at the Harrison Centre, and noted that staff would be available by telephone and email to assist with the application process.
