Bedford charity sends 16 low-income teens to university with a nearly 4000 pound bursary
The Harpur Trust didn't want local disadvantaged kids to miss out
A local Bedford charity has stepped in to help low-income kids that wouldn't have been able to afford University - take that next step into higher education.
The Harpur Trust's awarded 16 kids from state schools in the area a bursary of £3,600 spread across three years.
We're told they can use the money to help with study costs including accommodation, books, food, transport or course materials.
Its hoped that this will help them to cope with the cost of living as they take their next step in education.
This programme has helped 240 students gain their degrees since 2007, giving away more than £800,000 in bursaries.
The scheme is open to those from the following state schools:
- Bedford Academy
- Bedford College
- Biddenham International School and Sports College
- Kempston Academy
- Kimberley STEM College
- Mark Rutherford School
- Sharnbrook Academy
- The Bedford Sixth Form
- St Thomas More Secondary & 6th Form
- Wixams Academy
Nicola McKenzie, from The Harpur Trust said:
"The people we support likely have their households incomes below the £25,000 .
"We also look for additional challenges they may face: they may be a young carer or have special educational needs.
"Some students we support say they wouldn't have gone to university without the bursary as the costs are just too overwhelming, too much.
"Others say they may still have gone but without the bursary, would have likely had to drop out."