SSE Airtricity Chairman Mark Ennis joining students Julie Finlay from Ulster University and Conall Travers from South West College to launch the 2017 SSE Airtricity Scholarship.
The 2017 SSE Airtricity Scholarship Fund is now open, supporting students from the West and North-West of Northern Ireland progressing in third level education. The Scholarship Fund, now in its fourth year, will assist 20 students between South West College and Ulster University.
We've invested nearly £300,000 to date through the Scholarship Fund, which is directly supported by the Regional Fund from our nearby Slieve Kirk Wind Park, Northern Ireland’s largest wind farm.
The SSE Airtricity Scholarship is open to students from Co. Derry~Londonderry and Co. Tyrone, and covers approximately 50% of their fees for applicable courses at Ulster University or South West College.
While the funding is available for a broad range of subjects, including business, media and design, there is a particular emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Through the Scholarship programme, we're working with Ulster University and South West College to create greater awareness and diversity in STEM subjects, and to ultimately increase employment in those areas in Northern Ireland.
The 2017 SSE Airtricity Scholarship is now open for applications and students are urged to apply before the closing date of Friday 20 October.
Mark Ennis, SSE Airtricity Chairman, said:
“We’re delighted to be helping another 20 local students take the next step in their academic journey at two fantastic third-level institutions. Since we launched the SSE Airtricity Scholarship in 2014, the number of applications has increased year on year, which goes to show the impact of the programme and the importance placed on education by local young people and their families.
“At SSE Airtricity, we always aim to make a positive difference in the communities in which we live and work. We’ve now contributed nearly £300,000 through the Scholarship, reducing barriers and investing in a sustainable future, and we’re proud to do so alongside two forward-thinking partners in Ulster University and South West College.”
Professor Alastair Adair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, commented:
“Ulster University’s partnership with SSE Airtricity is invaluable in supporting student aspirations and delivering industry-relevant skills. The scholarship has proven to be truly transformative and has enabled students, at times in challenging circumstances, to access higher education, complete degree courses which are aligned to a key growth sector, and make a positive contribution to the societies that they live in.’
Michael McAlister, Chief Executive Officer of South West College, said:
“At South West College we have seen a 400% increase in the numbers of full time higher education students joining the college since we were formed in 2007, with significant growth in part-time numbers also. It is critical for the economy of the South West region that we continue to strive to meet the demand for level 5 and level 6 students as articulated in the NI Skills Barometer. The scholarships provided by SSE Airtricity greatly support us in that work, making it more feasible for some students to enter higher education, and helping us to push our percentage of higher education students studying STEM subjects above 65% full-time and 35% part-time.”
Applying for the 2017 SSE Airtricity Scholarship:
The 2017 SSE Airtricity Scholarship is now open to applications for this academic year. Applicants must be aged 17 and over with a home address in either Co. Derry~Londonderry or Co. Tyrone, with priority given to applicants living within a 12-mile radius of Slieve Kirk Wind Park.
The application process closes on 20 October 2017. Only applications received by Registered Post to Ulster University or South West College, with supporting evidence attached, will be accepted.
The 2017 SSE Airtricity Scholarship application form and full details can be found at ireland.sse.com/scholarship.