Outstanding students from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) were among young people from across Northern Ireland to receive a prestigious bursary.
Newtownards student Alanna Clegg received £5,500 per annum towards the cost of her third level education.
Alanna, who studied a BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies at SERC’s Newtownards Campus is now studying Physiotherapy at Coventry University, was presented with her bursary during an awards ceremony in Belfast Metropolitan College.
Now in its fourth year, the annual bursary, sponsored by well-known businessman JP McManus, provides financial assistance to outstanding students from low income households who intend to take up a full-time undergraduate degree course. The value of each scholarship is £5,500 per annum, equating to a maximum of £22,000 for a four year course.
Nikki Rainey, course co-ordinator at SERC commented on Alanna’s success: “Alanna was a remarkable student who demonstrated a strong desire to succeed during her course to the extent that she travelled to Lisburn to complete two of her modules. She has since progressed to Coventry University where she is studying Physiotherapy and I wish her all the best with her career.”
Congratulating the bursary recipients at Belfast Metropolitan College, Education Minister John O’Dowd said: “In an increasingly competitive global economy it is important that all young people have the opportunity to access the best that our Higher Education systems can provide. These scholarships recognise academic achievement and enable high achieving students from schools and Further Education colleges across Northern Ireland to have the opportunity to access third level education.
“In these difficult economic times, the work of moulding and nurturing our young people has never been more important. Education is the fundamental building block in producing a generation that is best prepared to deal with the many challenges that lie ahead.”
Ken Webb, SERC Principal and Chief Executive said: “I want to congratulate all the recipients of this year’s awards. These scholarships offer the opportunity of third level education to young people who may previously not have had that option and will enable them to continue on their chosen career paths.”