Stormont minister are urging students to apply for scholarship opportunities.
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry and Education Minister, John O’Dowd were speaking at the launch of the All Ireland Scholarships for 2012.
The annual scholarships, funded by businessman JP McManus and now in their fourth year, provide financial assistance to top-performing students from low income households who intend to take up full-time undergraduate courses in the coming autumn. The value of each scholarship is £5,500 per annum.
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry said: “I commend JP McManus for his philanthropy in providing these scholarships. It is important that all young people have the opportunity to benefit from higher education, irrespective of their social background. These scholarships recognise academic achievement and will enable students from post primary schools and Further Education Colleges to have the opportunity to access the best that higher education can provide. I would encourage all eligible students to apply.”
Referring to the recently launched Graduating to Success, the first Higher Education strategy for Northern Ireland, Minister Farry concluded: “I am committed to making the higher education sector more responsive to the needs of the economy.
“The strategy recognises the importance of ensuring that we continue to provide everyone with the opportunity to avail of the benefits of higher education and the need for the sector to widen and deepen its engagement with the community on a local, national and international level.”
Education Minister John O’Dowd said: “These scholarships facilitate access to third level education. The skills and qualifications acquired through higher education can broaden horizons and prospects, benefiting not only the individual but also our wider communities.
“I would like to commend JP McManus for his foresight in supporting these scholarships, helping students to follow their chosen career path. His generous support is particularly welcome at a time when many families are facing increased financial pressures.
“My Department has written to all principals asking them to highlight these awards and to bring them to their students’ attention and I would encourage all eligible students to apply.”