In September last year, our own DCF Bursary Scheme (part of our Education Fund) enabled 30 local young people from disadvantaged backgrounds access or continue their education. The supported young people faced additional challenges such as: living in a deprived or rural area, having special educational needs, living in a single-parent households, being a carer for a family member.
Applicants received bursaries of up to £1,000 which paid for travel, special clothing and IT hardware and software.
David, 19 initially received a bursary for travel and equipment in 2014 when he was starting Level 1 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery course at Bournemouth & Poole College. He lives in Dorchester with his mum who is a single parent.
The student achieved good grades in the theory exams and his tutor commended him on his good level of attendance especially considering the long journey.
The Foundation supported David again in 2015.
My mum works full-time but struggles to pay for travel and course fees. The bursary grant helped with travel costs and made a huge difference.
Since the scheme’s launch in 2015, it has supported over 55 applicants from all across the county.
The Foundation is calling on trusts, companies and individuals for more donations to the Education Fund in order to support local young people in training and education – the future workforce of our county. For more details click here.
