Eligibility:

Be a British Citizen resident in North Staffordshire for at least 5 years
Live in a ward that is considered ‘deprived’ using the IMD
Be at least 18 years of age
Be studying at an institute of Further Education in Newcastle Under Lyme, or Higher Education in North Staffordshire
Be following a course that is related to a future employment aim
Be undertaking independent study, (that is study for yourself and not financed by an employer)
Suffering financial hardship, where you are at risk of being unable to immediately continue on your course of education because of such hardship

 

What can be financed:

Awards made will be for goods/services up to £500. No direct financial award will be made.
IT equipment, (Package includes Laptop, Laptop Case, Printer/Scanner/Photocopier, Microsoft Office Student Edition, External Hard Drive, USB Storage)
Equipment for learning (including but not limited to; software, text books, learning materials)
Course Fees, (based on cost at the time of application)
Travel costs, (including but not limited to; regular travel costs via bus or train or excursion costs where the excursion would be a vital part of your course of study)
Essential non-educational costs directly affecting your study (e.g. childcare)

Your application must be signed by a representative of your university or college, from the student funding office.