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Greatness can only be achieved after a strong foundation has been laid!

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OUR PURPOSE

The mission of the Stellar Foundation is to help disadvantaged Jamaican youth become productive outstanding adults. We intend to accomplish this task by taking the proactive approach of mentoring a select group of promising Jamaican teenagers by providing them with the tools, guidance, and access to become upstanding Jamaican citizens.


The socioeconomic divide in Jamaica can be extremely wide and it often presents a huge barrier for the advancement of most Jamaicans.


Presently, the major issues that are preventing Jamaica’s advancement into the developed world are increased crime and an absence of educational opportunities. Too many of the country’s youth find themselves lacking the educational opportunities and access to mentorship in their respective field of interest. This inadequacy generally results in a number of Jamaica’s youth seeking mentorship and guidance from criminal elements who tend to be more accessible in the low-income communities where these young people reside. It is impossible for a developing country to advance and prosper if its youth are not afforded the same opportunities of access and mentorship as their “first world” counterpart.

APPLY AS A STUDENT OR MENTOR

what we do

Stellar Foundation — through its collaboration with a number of successful companies and individuals — has prepared an intensive curriculum designed to address the aspirations of the participating students.


Each of the members will not only expand their knowledge and develop themselves as individuals, but also gain valuable access to resources and cultural exposure that would otherwise be unreachable. With their newly acquired connections with mentors from Jamaica’s corporate areas, Stellar Foundation's graduates will be able to help fulfil the severe shortage of quality employees that Corporate Jamaica is experiencing.

One of the primary goals that we have for graduates of this program is that they will take their experiences and pass on their newly developed values, perspective, and skills to others in their respective communities.

Corporate

Are you a corporation that is interested in getting involved with The Stellar Foundation?

Working Professional

Are you considering lending your time and expertise to support our scholars' personal and professional development?

Student

Are you a student who could benefit from The Stellar Foundation?

Founder

"I never lose. I either win or I learn."

After graduating from The Junior Plus School, a preparatory school for the children of Montego Bay's elites, Romulus had to choose between continuing his education at a similar private high school or attending Herbert Morrison, a public school with a much larger class size. Despite the challenge, he chose the public school and found the transition to be easier than expected due to the exposure he received at his previous private school.

For the first two years, Romulus excelled in his studies at Herbert Morrison. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit during his ninth-grade year, his grades suffered along with his classmates. His parents subsequently withdrew him from the school and with the help of influential friends, Romulus was able to enroll in Cornwall College, another public school in Montego Bay with a prestigious history. The transition was difficult as he had to catch up with his classmates in a graduating year where he had to sit for exams and complete major assignments for seven subjects.

Despite the odds, Romulus overcame the challenge with the help of resources and a strong social support network. His experience in the public school system inspired him to create the Stellar Gent Initiative. After successfully launching and completing the inaugural program, he decided to expand the initiative to include both young males and females and established the Stellar Foundation.

As Romulus prepares to leave for Toronto, Canada to further his education, he is pleased that the Stellar Foundation will continue to bring him back to Jamaica every summer, the country where he grew up and learned to be the gentleman he is today.

Education and Access

Presently, the major issues that are preventing Jamaica’s advancement into the developed world are increased crime and an absence of educational opportunities. Too many of the country’s youth find themselves lacking the educational opportunities and
access to mentorship in their respective field of interest.

Become A Mentor

Learn More >>

Donate

Learn More >>

Participate

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Testimonials

As a recent graduate of the Stellar Gents program, I can confidently say that this program changed my life. I came into the program with a limited understanding of what it takes to
…

Brandon Atkins
My summer of 2022 was spent with a group of students from Cornwall College, which was the inaugural group of Stellar Gents. It was a period of four (4) weeks that I will
…

Kyle Gordon
Throughout the program I experienced nothing short of character building events. When I joined the program I realized while learning that there were many things common to the ‘world of grownups’ that I
…

Kalel Wilson
The Stellar Gents program is more than just a summer program. It’s a community. I had the pleasure of participating in the program last summer, and I can honestly say that it was
…

Malike Bygrave
Hi, my name is Javel Thompson; I am a first generation graduate of the Stellar Gents program. Stellar Gents was an idea formulated by a friend of mine Romulus Deenah. Romulus’s original goal
…

Javel Thompson
The stellar gents program has been a very beneficial and informative opportunities for me. From the program, I was able to improve on my physique, learn various etiquettes along with learning different information
…

Chrissteve Anderson
My time at the Stellar Gents program was nothing short of transformational. The program provided me with the opportunity to learn and grow in ways I never thought possible. From learning new skills
…

Kyle Sterling
If you’re looking for a life-changing experience, look no further than the Stellar Gents program. I recently completed the program and can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions I’ve
…

Garfield Levy
As a recent graduate of the Stellar Gents program, I can confidently say that this program changed my life. I came into the program with a limited understanding of what it takes to succeed in the "real world," but thanks to the dedicated organizers, especially Romulus and my fellow participants, I now feel more confident and capable than ever before. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to gain valuable life skills and form lifelong friendships.
Brandon Atkins
Brandon Atkins
My summer of 2022 was spent with a group of students from Cornwall College, which was the inaugural group of Stellar Gents. It was a period of four (4) weeks that I will always recall with nostalgia. We were actively involved in a myriad of activities, from learning how to swim, to taking care of our bodies and working out in the gym, to learning how to drive and then closing each week with a fine dining experience along with a great deal more in between. We became a band of brothers. I recall the many lessons taught directly and indirectly that caused us all to value time and its importance. The knowledge gained and exposure received is comparable to none. I was made aware of the many opportunities that were available in the sphere of Information Technology as was to access them. The entire experience has challenged me to be a better person, a better son and a better citizen.
Kyle Gordon
Kyle Gordon
Throughout the program I experienced nothing short of character building events. When I joined the program I realized while learning that there were many things common to the 'world of grownups' that I did not know, but thanks to the repetitive hard-working spirit of the organizers, I was able to graduate this program with versatile knowledge that will no doubt assist me in the future.
Kalel Wilson
Kalel Wilson
The Stellar Gents program is more than just a summer program. It's a community. I had the pleasure of participating in the program last summer, and I can honestly say that it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The organizers are passionate and dedicated, and the friendships I formed with my fellow participants will last a lifetime. I highly recommend the Stellar Gents program.
Malike Bygrave
Malike Bygrave
Hi, my name is Javel Thompson; I am a first generation graduate of the Stellar Gents program. Stellar Gents was an idea formulated by a friend of mine Romulus Deenah. Romulus’s original goal was to give his friends access to foreign experiences and a way to thank those who helped him to adjust to his new setting as he transitioned from the Herbert Morrison Technical High School. Romulus sought donations and sponsorships in order to to support his idea, through doing so Romulus took notice to how willing to support his idea and invested the donors were; as a result Romulus wanted to make this small project larger than himself, larger than his peers, larger than his friends and saw an opportunity to aid those less fortunate children of our beloved island. I enjoyed my time during the program, I learned lessons and found new interests. This program had given me a new breath of air as I was able to release my teenage frustrations through exercise and other means of therapeutic releases. I learned to drive and I am now a licensed driver, swim and make healthy time management decisions. I am in full support of this initiative and I intend to support Romulus as a mentor for new comers each year upon I return from the United States.
Javel Thompson
Javel Thompson
The stellar gents program has been a very beneficial and informative opportunities for me. From the program, I was able to improve on my physique, learn various etiquettes along with learning different information from the literature books handed to the group to read.
Chrissteve
Chrissteve
My time at the Stellar Gents program was nothing short of transformational. The program provided me with the opportunity to learn and grow in ways I never thought possible. From learning new skills like driving and swimming to improving my physical fitness, I feel like a new person thanks to this program. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to challenge themselves and develop important life skills.
Kyle Sterling
Kyle Sterling
If you're looking for a life-changing experience, look no further than the Stellar Gents program. I recently completed the program and can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. From learning new skills to making lifelong friendships, this program has it all.
Garfield
Garfield

FAQ

In order to apply for the program you must be attending high school and enrolled in fifth form or grade 11.

The mission of  The Stellar Foundation is to help disadvantaged Jamaican youth become productive outstanding adults. We intend to accomplish this task by providing our participating students with the tools, guidance, and access to become upstanding Jamaican citizens. 

* Fifth form or grade eleven students can complete an application for The Stellar Foundation Program on our website. All submissions will be reviewed during our selection process and selected candidates will be notified regarding the next steps in the application process.
* Participation in the Program is three-fold:
* Participants will receive comprehensive personal and professional development in a variety of fields: Swimming, Driver Education, Business and Dining Etiquette, Practical Technology Education, Resume Writing and Job Interview workshops, Additional Programs will be added based on career aspirations of participants.
* Mentorship and Coaching via group seminars with influential and experienced professionals across diverse sectors.
* Participants will have internship opportunities with partnering companies

During our first year the program consisted of fourteen students. Our goal is for this number to increase each year. The number of students that we will be accepting for the upcoming year will be depend on funding and budgetary targets.

Yes, all graduates of the program will receive a Plaque and certificate in recognition of their successful completion of our Program

The Stellar Foundation funding comes from private donors.  The program is free to all participating students.

Yes.  The Stellar Foundation program includes on-going mentorship / coaching for all graduates

The Stellar Foundation long term objective is to see that all students who apply to our program are accepted, graduate and have successfully gone on to complete post high school educational or vocational aspirations.

info@stellarfoundation.ca
Montego Freeport Shopping Center 
Montego Bay 
St. James, Jamaica
1-876-STELLAR
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John G. Byles

John Byles is an Executive Deputy Chairman with over 30 years of experience in the tourism sector and 15 years in Banking and Finance. He is a managing partner of Chukka Caribbean Adventures and has played a key role in the group’s expansion. John holds several board positions and is highly respected in the tourism industry. He is the Chairman of the COVID-19 Resilient Corridor and serves on the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force. His leadership skills and commitment to sustainable tourism have made him a sought-after leader in the Caribbean tourism sector.