Learn SMART is an initiative launched and executed by SMDF in close collaboration with the Government of Sint Maarten and one of the world’s leading online learning platforms, Coursera.

With St. Maarten still feeling the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) is continuing to support national recovery efforts by offering residents access to new educational opportunities. As such and as a follow up to SMDF’s successful Workforce Development Program, Learn SMART, an acronym for St. Maarten Active Recovery & Training Program, will provide access to courses from leading university and industry educators institutions from around the world including Yale University, the University of Michigan, IBM, and Microsoft.

With the program being completely online, learners will be delving into themes such as entrepreneurship, customer relations, and business administration among others over a two-year period. Additionally, as the world continues to shift towards technology, the Learn SMART initiative will also offer free scholarships to Google entry-level Professional Certificates on Coursera. These certificates, in the fields of Project Management, Data Analytics, IT Support, and UX Design, will create pathways for residents to work in technology areas of the future. The best part? Being able to work at your own pace on your own time!

Requirements

Acceptance into the Learn SMART Program is reserved for residents of St. Maarten who truly demonstrate a willingness to join courses and dedication to complete them to the best of their ability. In order to be considered for this program, please ensure that you:

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Can provide proof of current residency on St. Maarten
• Have the necessary time to commit and actively participate in this program
• Filled out the application form below

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Note: If you have a government email address, please use it above.

Phone *

Date of Birth *

Age *

• 18 - 24
• 25 - 34
• 35 - 44
• 45 - 54
• 55+

Gender *

• Male
• Female
• Non-Binary
• Other

Identification Card *

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 2 files.

Please upload a clear copy of your valid Sint Maarten issued ID, Driver's License, or Dutch Passport.

Are you a civil servant? *

• Yes
• No

Proof of Address *

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 2 files.

Please upload a clear and recent copy of your utility bill, payslip, bank statement, or registration form. It must be within the last 6 months. PLEASE DO NOT CROP YOUR NAME AND THE DATE OUT.

ONLY Civil Servants: Upload Your Last Certificate or Government Badge *

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

This ONLY applies to CIVIL SERVANTS. Please upload a copy of your government badge or any Coursera certificate that you received from participating in our last program.

Education Level - the highest degree or level of education you completed *

• Completed Elementary School
• Completed High School
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Ph.D. or higher
• Trade school

Maritial Status *

• Single
• Married
• Engaged
• Divorced
• Widowed
• Domestic Partnership

Do you have children?YesNo

How many children do you have?

Employment StatusUnemployedEmployed Full-TimeEmployed Part-TimeUnemployed (Seeking Opportunities)Retired

What is your occupation? (if Employed)

How much do you earn per month? (in Guilders)

What are your areas of interest? *

• Digitalization - IT (e.g., Programming, Data Science, Software Design, UX)
• The Creative Economy (e.g., Graphic Design, Fashion, PR, Game Design)
• Career Planning (e.g., Resume Writing, Career Planning, Personal Branding)
• Entrepreneurship and Freelancing (e.g., Starting your own business, HR, Business English)
• Post-Secondary Skills (e.g., Collaboration, Digital Skills, Mindfulness & Well-Being)

What Learn SMART Program(s) would you like to register for? *

• Learn SMART (10,000+ courses | e.g., Entrepreneurship and Freelancing, the Creative Economy, Post-secondary Skills, Career Planning, etc.)
• Digital Transformation - Google Certificates (300+ courses | e.g., Google Data Analytics, Google IT Support, Google UX Design, etc,)
• Civil Servants (4000+ courses | e.g., Public Policy & Policy Analysis, Project Management, Information Technology, etc.)

Note: The Civil Servants Program is only applicable to Civil Servants.

Motivational Letter *

Why would you like to be a part of the Learn SMART Program? Please write at least 500 words. Include why you chose your area(s) of interest.

How did you first find out about this program?

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• SMDF Website
• Word of Mouth
• Newspaper

Have you heard of/used Coursera?

• Yes
• No
• Not sure

Do you give permission to the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) to use your information for promotional purposes? *YesNo

Declaration *

• Tick to Agree

I hereby declare that the information provided above is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I also understand that any willful dishonesty may render for refusal of this application.

Submit