A £500,000 bursary commitment from one of our employment partners, Quickline Communications, has improved career prospects and created life-changing results for underrepresented Lincolnshire Institute of Technology students.
Quickline, an independent broadband provider serving rural and hard to reach areas of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, has provided the bursary in a bid to make education more accessible for students from underrepresented groups.
150 of our students studying technical subjects have received up to £1,000 as part of the bursary funding so far, which went towards facilities and equipment such as laptops, headphones and desk chairs.
The bursary will support over 500 underrepresented students across the coming years, including mature students, parents, people from low income families, people with a disability and people who were previously in care.
Students enrolled on Level 4 and 5 courses are eligible for the funds and they can use them for things such as study costs, travel costs and additional childcare costs, breaking down barriers to further education and opening career pathways.
“Life-changing”: How the Quickline bursary has opened doors for our students
For many students, access to the Quickline bursary has been a financial weight off their shoulders, allowing them to flourish in their studies as they carve their own careers in the industries they are passionate about.
Students across our education partners have been sharing their stories of how the bursary has helped them, from single mothers stepping back into education to aspiring game developers needing improved technology access.
Grantham College
James Parry, a Grantham College IT student, said: “Receiving a 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.”
Another Grantham College student, single parent Zoe Pickering, took on a foundation degree in Education, and was eligible for the bursary.
She said: “With the support from the Quickline Communications bursary, I will be able to complete, achieve and succeed in my new chosen career. I cannot thank the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology enough for the support to enable me to continue with my studies.”
North Lindsey College (part of DN Colleges Group)
Teanna Penn, a Mental Health and Wellbeing student at North Lindsey College, had this to say: “Receiving the bursary has had a significant impact on my studies and overall wellbeing. It has allowed me to purchase essential books, resources and equipment that I would have otherwise struggled to afford. This support has taken a lot of pressure off my daily living costs, giving me the freedom to focus more on my coursework rather than worrying about finances.”
As for Ciaran Sykes, a Game Development student also at North Lindsey College, he used the funding to buy a higher specification computer that can take his studies and development to the next level.
“Receiving the bursary has had a significant positive impact on my progress as an FdA Game Development student,” he said. “I am extremely grateful for the support.”
University Centre Grimsby
Andrew Cammall, a Digital and Technology Solutions student at Grimsby Institute’s University Centre, has been able to purchase more storage and install more software to make his study capabilities even greater.
He said: “With more RAM, I can work on large projects, run multiple applications simultaneously and avoid slowdowns that could hinder productivity.”
Thomas Colbrook is an Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at University Centre Grimsby, and he spoke about how much this bursary means to him by saying it will “not only provide me with very good quality IT access, but it will help with the progression of my studies and will be a massive help in facilitating that.”
Boston College
Rachel Holmes, who is studying for a Higher National Diploma in Uniformed Public Services has strongly encouraged students to take up this bursary if they are eligible.
She said: “To anyone who is unsure about tackling a university course at Boston College, I’d say grab every opportunity that comes your way. The bursary has taken a significant financial burden away and my lecturers are incredibly supportive.”
Morgan Williams, a Computing student at the college, said: “The Quickline IoT bursary has really helped me make the most of my time. It has allowed me to upgrade my equipment, which has really improved my work and given me a great opportunity to succeed in my studies.”
Kickstart your STEM education
If you’re exploring your options and are interested in pursuing a career in a STEM-related industry, we can help.
Our education partners offer access to courses from level 3 to level 6, giving students opportunities to prepare for work, re-enter the labour market and develop throughout their careers.
Contact us or visit our education partners’ websites to find out more about the courses on offer:
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