Three students from Queen’s University Belfast have been named recipients of the Choice Housing Scholarship, aimed at supporting students from Widening Participation (WP) backgrounds to achieve academic excellence and to complete their studies.
The scholarship, now in its fifth year was launched in 2019 and provides financial support to students in order to facilitate the completion of their studies. In that time, Choice has supported 15 students from across Northern Ireland during their studies.
The three Queen’s students, who will each receive £1,000 in recognition of their academic attainments are Nathan Cole (Engineering and Physical Sciences), who is studying Computer Science, Aimee Martin (Medicine, Health, and Life Sciences) studying Zoology and Emma Murphy (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences) currently studying Criminology and Sociology.
The financial support is provided to students who have participated in either the Pathway Opportunity Programme or Senior Academy Programme, both key Queen's initiatives delivered by the University’s Widening Participation Unit (WPU).
Choice Group Chief Executive, Michael McDonnell said,
“Choice has a long-standing partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and alongside similar collaborations with education providers is committed to providing much needed support to those who face barriers to achieving their goals in education.
“As part of our corporate social responsibility we go beyond our initial remit of building quality affordable homes and are committed to supporting local communities and our young people through a range of initiatives. The Choice Scholarship is incentive based, giving students the chance to gain much needed support through their education journey.
“Queen’s University Belfast facilitates access to higher education for those facing barriers and we are proud to support them in achieving this through this scholarship.”
Established in 2013, the Widening Participation (WP) Unit comprises the Junior Academy, the Senior Academy and more recently the Pathway Opportunity Programme. WP students may include young people who are eligible for free school meals or Education Maintenance Allowance, those who are care leavers, or adult learners.
The Senior Academy and Pathway Opportunity Programme target young people who have the ability to attend university, but who are least likely to progress to higher education and provides support to enable them to fulfil their potential.
The scholarships are awarded to the Pathway Opportunity Programme or Senior Academy students, who achieve the highest overall mark in Level 1, and who will be continuing to Level 2.
Ted Jen from Queen’s University Pathway Opportunity Programme
“We are very thankful for the partnership we’ve had with Choice Housing over the past five years. These prestigious prizes not only recognise the students’ academic achievements but provide extra support throughout their studies. Often without family financial support these Widening Participation students, from the Pathway Opportunity Programme or Senior Academy Programme, can find that an award like this may make the difference between being able to stay at Queen’s on their course or not, so this support from Choice Housing is very much appreciated.
I congratulate the three recipients and again thank Choice Housing for their generous support.”
The Pathway Opportunity Programme aims to increase the number of students from under-represented groups who will go on to study at Queen’s. The Senior Academy Programme raises awareness of higher education in post-primary pupils by developing their academic skills and supporting attainment. Working specifically with pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, these programmes are open to all and provide insights into university life.
Aimee Martin, Queen’s Student added:
“Winning this award was an unexpected surprise, for which I'm immensely grateful to Choice. It's supporting to know that Choice is acknowledging the hard work of Queen's students and providing us with an opportunity such as this.
Considering the cost of living at the moment, this prize will help give me a boost so that I can focus more on my studies and future opportunities.”
For further information about Widening Access programmes at Queen’s, please visit www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/wpu/ or to find out more about supporting students at Queen’s, please contact Jacqui McCormick (j.w.mccormick@qub.ac.uk).
