Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni Cawayne Bryan (Class of 2019, Jamaica), first learned about EARTH University through a presentation to his 4-H program, an organization that provides training in agriculture and entrepreneurship to young people. At the presentation, a 4-H representative encouraged him to apply, but at that time Cawayne chose to remain focused on serving his community. He wanted to continue working in his community and stay close to his family. A year later, Cawayne reconnected with a friend who had just finished his first year at EARTH. In listening to him describe the breadth and depth of what he was learning, Cawayne’s curiosity sparked. He could see—and would eventually experience—that the EARTH approach incorporated practical elements and community work in a unique way.
Inspired by his grandfather, Cawayne always dreamed of working in agriculture. He imagined studying close to home in Jamaica, where he could directly uplift his family and community. What he never anticipated was that his journey would lead him to EARTH, a place where learning goes beyond classrooms, where connections are built in ways unlike anywhere else. He discovered not only the tools to grow as a professional but also the space to grow as a person, and he realized that this path was shaping him into exactly who he was meant to become.
In 2020, Cawayne began working with the Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, where his role was largely focused on protecting agricultural land. His EARTH background in soils and land preservation equipped him with the knowledge necessary to make recommendations on land use for agricultural production. By sharing soil preservation knowledge with farmers, Cawayne saw the direct impact through improvements to their crops. Cawayne’s EARTH education came to life in helping local farmers develop their farms and improve production. “When you help the farmers and they see it works, they want to come back and learn more,” Cawayne notes.
After working at the Ministry for four years, Cawayne decided to deepen the agricultural science foundation he developed at EARTH by pursuing a graduate degree. He is currently halfway through his Master’s in Soil Science at Washington State University in the United States. He hopes to return with this deeper expertise in soils to serve the Ministry of Agriculture in a more senior capacity. Ultimately, he aspires to run his own business—a place where he can have the direct relationship with farmers he so values and where he sees potential to create impact in aquaponics and hydroponics systems for crop production.
Cawayne describes his time at EARTH as a life-changing experience that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Mastercard Foundation. He credits the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program with empowering him to amplify the impact of his work in service to others. Thanks to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at EARTH, Cawayne has gone places he never dreamed of going and formed connections across diverse cultures and perspectives. These connections and interpersonal skills have allowed him to take his career and turn it into something that directly impacts the livelihoods of farmers in his community. “I don’t even have the words to express my appreciation,” he finally shares with a smile.