LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Young people and adult learners will still be able to access funding to pursue their dream career thanks to the announcement of a new charity.
The Gateshead College Foundation is one of the first organisations of its kind. It aims to ensure people can access funds to enable them to develop their skills and improve their life chances. Established by Gateshead College, the Foundation is an independent charity which will help to bridge the funding gap. It is being created to support students financially and in particular will help those affected by the abolition of EMA, cuts to fee remission for adults and other funding cutbacks.
Gateshead College has already pledged an initial contribution of £1 million from its reserves to support the Foundation and each year will contribute a small percentage of any surplus it generates. Richard Thorold, principal at Gateshead College, said: “Education has the power to transform lives, and there is no greater need than now for people to have the chance to develop the skills they need to get jobs, improve their prospects and get our economy moving.
“We know that there are families who work hard and don’t get any Government assistance but who might struggle to pay for the ‘extras’ such as trips and visits. And there are others who, with the cuts to fee remission and EMA, will not even be able to get to college, never mind make the most of their time when they are here.
“The launch of the Foundation will remove some of the barriers that stand in their way and will also give those with particular talents the opportunity to thrive.”
The Foundation is open to any student who wishes to study at Gateshead College from September this year. It will provide resources and support not available through other statutory routes to people who want to study at Gateshead College. Support may be in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, equipment, gifts, bursaries and prizes. It could help towards the payment of fees, pay for specialist equipment or uniforms, help talented athletes to go to competitions or help with travel costs – especially for those who live some distance away. The Foundation will also seek to offer other forms of support that enhance the student’s personal, professional or social experiences, such as mentoring, volunteering and work placements. In addition to the funds donated by Gateshead College, the Foundation will also be supported through fundraising activity, corporate sponsorship, donations and gift aiding.
Joshua Bale, from Hebburn, is completing his A Levels at Gateshead College. The 18-year-old student governor welcomes the announcement. He said: “I think this is a brilliant idea.
“The college isn’t obliged to come up with anything to help students who may lose out on EMA, but to go so far as to launch a Foundation shows the level of its commitment to its students.
“I think it will be greatly beneficial. There are many people at the college who receive EMA and, without financial support, they wouldn’t be able to continue their studies.”
The Foundation will operate as a registered charity, and will be run by a nominated board of Trustees, that will be entirely independent from Gateshead College.
Mark Taylor, from North Shields, is also a student governor and is studying towards a music degree at Gateshead College. The 44-year-old said: “I was able to take up study at Gateshead College because of the Government support that was available.
“Cuts to funding for 19+ learners is bound to effect many people and I would expect that it will prevent many from being able to continue or start studying.
“The announcement that Gateshead College is starting a special Foundation to help to cover the deficit left by funding cuts is fantastic news. I’m sure many learners in my position will welcome this move as it will provide a lifeline for those facing course fees.
“Throughout my governorship I’ve witnessed the continuous strive by Gateshead College to improve the experience of its students and, in my view, this is another example of just that.”
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