- 12/01/2011
- Posted by: Joyce Watson MS
- Category: Feature
SECOND chance students can now apply for Joyce Watson AM’s fourth annual bursary for students who return to learning.
Applications are open for The Joyce Watson Scholarship, which was launched in 2007 to assist mature students studying a full-time further education course at Pembrokeshire College.
The £1,000 bursary, which can assist towards fees, transportation, childcare or other expenditure to help the student complete studies, is open to anyone who has started a course at the college and is over 21. The deadline for this year’s bursary is 31 January.
Haverfordwest-based Joyce was inspired to fund the bursary by her own experience of learning at the college while bringing up a young family.
Joyce, who is Labour’s Rural Affairs Spokesperson, launched the bursary when she was elected as Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales. She said:-
“Pembrokeshire College made a huge difference to my life, encouraging me to get qualifications,” she said.
“It gave me a second chance at education, and I want to help others to do the same.”
Pembrokeshire College’s Director of Learner Services Maxine Thomas said:
“The college is extremely grateful to Joyce for providing the bursary. Many of our students face financial difficulties during the course of their study and the bursary makes a real difference to their lives and to the completion of their studies without financial worries.”
The first annual bursary went to Laura Watts, who achieved three As at A-level, then went on to study social anthropology at the London School of Economics.
The next two second chance bursaries went to Amie Grover, a Fishguard mum of three training to be a plumber at the college. She received the bursary to help her complete her Open College Network plumbing course.
Last year over 120 students applied for the bursary.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel, including Joyce and Maxine Thomas, the college’s Director of Learning Services, and the winner will be announced shortly afterwards.
For more information contact Joyce Watson’s office on 02920 898972 or click www.joycewatson.co.uk
