Tusla and DCEDIY Launch Education and Training Bursary Scheme 2023-2024 to help support Care Experienced Young People Reach their Future Goals
The scheme, which is now in its third year, provides financial support to those over 18 years old to help them achieve their education and training goals. Care-experienced young people, who are not receiving financial support for their education from any other State source, can apply for a bursary of up to €5,000 to fund a course or to purchase necessary materials or hardware. Young people in receipt of SUSI can apply for equipment only. The bursary also provides support towards accredited courses taken outside of the Republic of Ireland/overseas.
A total of €250,000 of Dormant Accounts funding was secured in 2023 by Tusla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) to provide educational supports for children in care and young people in aftercare.
Speaking about the launch, DCEDIY Minister Roderic O’Gorman said: “It is an honour to support the launch of the Education and Training Bursary Scheme 2022-2023. This important scheme provides care experienced young people with the financial support to pursue their educational and career goals. While there are very strong supports for formal third-level courses, this scheme is to address the need for supports for other, often shorter courses, which are part of the incremental steps for young people building their careers. In such instances this bursary scheme will be of real practical benefit and will improve access to educational opportunities. I would implore any care experienced young person thinking of their future goals to apply and begin their journey.”
Joy McGlynn, Interim Director of Tusla Education Support Service said “Tusla is delighted to launch The Education and Training Bursary Scheme 2023-2024 today, which is now is its 3rd year and has provided a great deal of support to care experienced young people since 2021. Supporting young people in achieving their life, educational and career goals is a key priority for the Agency and we hope to provide this for as many individuals as possible. A young person can apply for a bursary of up to €5,000 towards course fees, equipment and materials that are needed in their chosen path and their Aftercare Worker or Drop-In Service will be on-hand to support them with their applications.
In order to meet the individual needs of care experienced people, the funding is available for a wide variety of courses and training, such as third level courses, apprenticeships as well as training-related equipment. Further information is available at www.tusla.ie.”
Shauna Armstrong, Recipient of The Education and Training Bursary 2022 said: “This bursary scheme is a fantastic step in the right direction towards supporting young people in care. As a recipient, it provided me with a great deal of support throughout my studies and I am now doing a PhD in Criminology. Young people can apply for the bursary to put towards college courses, materials, a trade – there really are a great deal of options for anyone, whatever your educational and career goals are. For any young person thinking about applying, have a chat with your after-care worker or head to www.tusla.ie for more information.
Applications for the Education and Training Bursary Scheme 2023-2024 are open until 31st of August 2023. For further information email educationbursary@tusla.ie.