More than 1800 students have been helped by a £900k “Mayoral Bursary” scheme offered by the City of Liverpool College and Liverpool City Council.
The bursary supports 16-18 year olds in academic and vocational areas of study and has been running for the last three years, helping more than 1,800 students fund their education.
The Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, visited the City of Liverpool College to see first hand the success of the scheme and meet with students who are currently using the bursary funding to support their education.
The bursary was set up after the scrapping of Education Maintenance Allowances. City and education leaders in Liverpool were concerned that students from less affluent backgrounds would be unable to afford higher education.
Students eligible for the scheme have to be under 19, study for at least 15 hours a week and come from a family that receives financial support. Full eligibility criteria is available at www.liv-coll.ac.uk
Applicants receive £20 a week through the scheme, which is payable every week subject to students demonstrating their commitment to studies and required level of attendance.
VIDEO: Mayor Joe Anderson meets some of the students
Elaine Bowker, principal of the City of Liverpool College said: “We are really pleased with the success of the scheme with the council. It has eased the impact of the cuts in education funding and helped support learners with some real financial challenges. The college always has, and always will support learners from all backgrounds and the bursary is part of our commitment to providing education to those who want it, not just those who can afford it.”
The financial commitment for the scheme comes from the college and from the Mayor’s office and forms part of Mayor Anderson’s pledge to provide support to students in Liverpool.
Mayor Joe Anderson said: “It’s really important for the City that we are developing the right skills in the right sectors and that all young people have access to learning – I’m proud to be involved in this scheme with the college, which has seen some real success over the last three years and offered support to students at a time when family finances are under strain, ensuring that students have help in continuing their studies.”
According to the college, financial pressures are often a key reason for students to drop out of courses, or not study, so the bursary has helped with those pressures, improving student retention, applications and giving young people more opportunity to access higher education.
