Three Ulster University students have received Scholarships from Choice Housing, one of the largest independent housing associations in Northern Ireland.
The ‘Choice Scholarships’, in partnership with Ulster University, provide much needed support to those who face financial, social and logistical barriers to furthering their education.
Launched in 2019, the five-year scholarship scheme will support up to 15 students who face barriers to participating in higher education, providing financial assistance to three students per year for the lifetime of the project.
This year, three First Year students have been selected to receive the Choice Housing Scholarships. The undergraduate students who met widening access and participation criteria established by Ulster University were each awarded prizes of £1,000.
Speaking about the ‘Choice Scholarships’, Lawrence Jackson, Group Director of Corporate Services at Choice said:
“We are delighted to be continuing this important partnership with Ulster University. As part of our commitment to local communities, we are investing and developing thriving communities, using housing as a foundation for transforming people’s lives. This commitment goes beyond the provision of housing, identifying the wider need of people and the positive impact they can have in their local communities.
“We hope that through these awards, Choice can help the individual recipients to succeed in the future and contribute to creating stronger inclusive communities.”
Karen Delgado, Head of Corporate Engagement at Ulster University continued:
“At Ulster, we believe that higher education should be accessible to everyone, leading to a more inclusive, equitable and confident society. Now more than ever we need to see true community spirit to ensure that students from all backgrounds achieve their full potential.
“Since the start of the pandemic, many students have lost part-time jobs and are experiencing reduced family income. It has become even more important to provide financial support so that our students have the means to complete their education successfully.
“We are very grateful to Choice Housing for their ongoing support for these Scholarships which make a practical and positive difference to our students’ lives. Thank you Choice Housing.”
The Choice Scholarship recipients 2019 – Katie Boyd, Michael Cassidy and Callum Edwards with Lawrence Jackson, Group Director of Corporate Services, Choice Housing and Karen Delgado, Head of Corporate Engagement, Ulster University (image taken before the pandemic)
