Young people living in the West Belfast constituency have been encouraged to apply for funding to help them with their education.
Launched 22 years ago, the Aisling Bursaries have donated £738,500 to 930 from across West Belfast and the Greater Shankill area. Local businesses have been donating to the fund since March 2000 with every penny going directly to students.
It was initially set up to provide financial support to students from disadvantaged or challenging backgrounds in West Belfast to help make their hopes of taking up further and higher education or training a reality - and to fulfil their life ambitions for securing a fulfilling career.
READ MORE: West Belfast programme celebrates 25 years of educating young people
For the past 12 years, the Aisling Bursaries have been sustained and managed by West Belfast Partnership.
Speaking to Belfast Live Angie Mervyn, Education Manager in WBPB said: "The Aisling Bursaries highlight everything that is good about our fantastic community in West Belfast. They are a unique education scheme for students from West Belfast and Shankill, which highlight the importance the business and local community attaches to education in developing West Belfast.
"The initiative is a community and private sector partnership through which businesses, community enterprises, families and individuals contribute to the bursary fund and make a firm commitment to developing the skills of the local community. It’s not only an incredible gesture of generosity and sharing from the local people, but it is also a vote of confidence in the recipients of the Bursaries and a real investment in this community.
"Since the Aisling Bursaries began in 2000, we have raised £738,500 to help 930 students of all ages. Our recipients have studied courses ranging from Child Care and Youth Work to Law, Engineering and Masters level."
The criteria to apply is:
- Applicants must be resident in the West Belfast Westminster Parliamentary Electoral Constituency.
- Applicants must be preparing to study or be currently studying on a full-time or part-time further education, higher education or vocational training course.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on July 1 2022.
- The chosen course and award should contribute to the regeneration of West Belfast.
For more information, contact West Belfast Partnership Board on 02890 809202 for an emailed or hard copy application. You can also apply online here.
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