The Robertson Trust has awarded the university’s First Chances programme £240,000
More state school pupils in Fife are to be given the chance to attend the University of St Andrews.
The Robertson Trust has awarded the university’s First Chances programme £240,000 to help local students explore the possibilities of attending the world famous university on their doorstep, get support for future applications, and get help and advice regarding university life.
Now in its eighth year, the programme sees student ambassadors and university staff initially work with pupils at annual residential programmes, revision camps, mentoring and guidance whilst at school, with the support continuing into university through financial support, mentoring and internships.
The money, provided by the Robertson Trust, will safeguard the scheme for four more years with 150 new S3 pupils joining on a yearly basis and being supported through their entire senior phase at school and into university.
It will also be used to provide training for school teachers running the programme in schools.
we hope to enable more young people across Fife to realise their potential and to gain all the benefits – educational, social, and cultural – St Andrews can offer
Kenneth Ferguson, director of the Robertson Trust, said: “We are delighted to support this pioneering initiative, which has already helped many school pupils on to varied destinations in further and higher education.
“With our funding announcement today we hope to enable more young people across Fife to realise their potential and to gain all the benefits – educational, social, and cultural – St Andrews can offer pupils as they formulate their own ambitions.
“I hope that the welcome they receive here from Scotland’s oldest university gives them the confidence and self-esteem to shape their own futures in exciting ways.”
In addition, the Robertson Scholarship Trust will also provide funding for an extra 20 university scholarships each year for students to attend the university, with the university match-funding up to £2,000 living expenses per scholarship.
It will provide students from low-income backgrounds with not only finance, but additional mentoring and support into employment throughout – and beyond – the duration of their studies.
Vice-principal Dr Anne Mullen said: "This funding will mean more young Scots from across Fife will have the opportunity to engage with Scotland’s first university, and will help ensure that pupils who demonstrate ability get the support they need to realise their potential.
“Today’s investment from the Robertson Trust is an endorsement of St Andrews’ commitment to raising attainment and we look forward to working with them to expand our efforts.”
