Over 100 students in Lincolnshire have been supported by a £500,000 fund through the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology
150 students across Lincolnshire have had “crucial” financial support to help them learn skills that are wanted by the region’s high tech economy.
Sponsored by Quickline Communications, the £500,000 bursary is designed to break down barriers to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education in Lincolnshire.
Available to Level 4 and 5 students from underrepresented groups studying technical subjects with the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology, the bursary is helping people across the county to access higher education opportunities and pursue careers in STEM industries.
Students have each been able to access a grant of up to £1,000 to support their studies, utilising the funds to purchase essential equipment including laptops, headphones and desk chairs, as well as covering costs such as travel expenses and childcare.
James Parry, who’s studying IT at Grantham College, is one of these students. He said:
“Receiving the bursary has been life-changing and it has significantly eased both my academic and personal journey. It provided me with crucial financial support at a time when I really needed it, allowing me to focus more on my studies without the added stress of covering my expenses.”
The wider bursary programme is expected to support a total of 500 students in the coming years, including mature students, parents, people from low-income families, people with disabilities and care leavers.
Mick Lochran, Director of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology, said:
“We’re very proud to work alongside Quickline Communications to provide this incredibly meaningful support for students all across Lincolnshire, who may otherwise struggle to overcome financial barriers impeding their access to higher education.
“This bursary is already making a real difference to our students’ lives by easing financial pressures, reducing stress and giving them access to the tools, equipment and support they need to succeed in their studies.
“We’re committed to creating opportunities for people to access high-quality technical education and progress into rewarding careers in STEM industries. Through this partnership, we’re helping students to build confidence, develop industry-relevant skills and take positive steps towards their future careers.”
Quickline, an independent broadband provider serving rural and hard to reach communities across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, has provided the bursary to help make STEM industries more accessible and inclusive.
Rachel Bowerman, Social Value Manager at Quickline Communications, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the positive impact this bursary is already having on students studying technical subjects across Lincolnshire.
“At Quickline, accessibility and inclusivity sit at the heart of everything we do. Just as we’re committed to connecting rural communities that have historically been overlooked when it comes to broadband infrastructure, we’re equally passionate about helping people access the education and opportunities they need to build successful futures.
“By supporting students through this bursary scheme, we hope to remove some of the barriers that can prevent talented people from pursuing careers in STEM industries and help create the next generation of skilled professionals across our region.”
The partnership with the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology is part of Quickline’s wider commitment to Project Gigabit, which, through government funding, is bringing fast, reliable broadband to communities nationwide. It is helping people get online while giving local communities the skills and opportunities they need to find work, grow businesses and stay in touch.
Quickline Communications is one of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology’s three core employment partners. The Institute also works with nine education partners across the county - the University of Lincoln, University Campus North Lincolnshire, University Centre Grimsby, Boston College, Grantham College & University Centre, Lincoln College, Riseholme College, Lincoln UTC and Stamford College.
To find out more about the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology, visit www.liot.ac.uk.