Scholarships For Less Well Off Students Launched

An innovative grant scheme for aspiring university students from poorer backgrounds has been welcomed.

Northern Ireland Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, and NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today welcomed details of the new higher education scholarship scheme for students from disadvantaged backgrounds here.

The scholarships, which will benefit over 250 students, are funded by businessman JP McManus who is well known for his generous support for good causes, particularly in the field of education.

The fund of approximately €6million will be used to provide financial assistance to the top performing A Level (A2) students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The first scholarships will be awarded to students starting university in September 2009 and it is anticipated that the value of each scholarship would be £5,500 per annum.

Welcoming the scholarships the Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, said: "Widening participation in higher education by students from groups who are currently under-represented is one of my Department's key strategic goals.

"In particular, we seek to increase participation from students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities and learning difficulties," he said.

"The Department has been addressing this issue through a number of policy initiatives and a range of specific funding mechanisms including higher education bursaries and maintenance grants.

"The vision and practical support of people like JP McManus from the world of business shows that philanthropy can make a real difference to the lives of students looking to gain all the benefits from our higher education system."

Also speaking about the announcement the Minister for Education said: "This scholarship scheme has the potential to open doors to university education for young people from some of our most disadvantaged areas.

"It will include young people in both English and Irish medium schools and will be awarded on the basis of performance in A level examinations."

The new scholarship will support up to 25 students a year for studies at undergraduate level and will be awarded to the top performing students who attend any recognised grant-aided post-primary school.

Some 19 of the scholarships will be available through the schools sector and six through the Further Education Colleges.

Eligibility for the scholarship is restricted to those who are in receipt of the Educational Maintenance Allowance, who expect to do well at A level and who intend to take up a higher education place from next autumn.

A minimum of two scholarships will be offered in each county, with additional awards allocated on the basis of the top A levels achieved here.

(BMcC/JM)