Joyce Watson, AM for Mid and West Wales, is urging students who have returned to learning to apply for her £1,000 bursary to study at Pembrokeshire College this yearThe Joyce Watson Scholarship was launched last year to assist mature students studying a full-time Further Education course.
The bursary, which can assist towards fees, transportation, childcare or other expenditure to help the student complete his or her studies, is open to anyone who has started a course at the college and is over 21.
The successful applicant will be someone who has the drive and perseverance to study and achieve their potential. Laura Watts (24) from Haverfordwest, won the first bursary last December and this year achieved three As at A-level. She is now studying Social Anthropology at the London School of Economics.
Joyce is funding the bursary out of her own pocket inspired by her own experience of learning at the college whilst bringing up a young family.
She said: "Pembrokeshire College made a huge difference to my life, encouraging me to get qualifications. 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 deadline for applications is December 10, 2008. The winner of the prize will be announced in January 2009. Students at the college will receive a letter about the bursary. For more information contact learning co-ordinator Frances Berry on 01437 753133.
Images: top left (from left to right), Maxine Thomas (Pembrokeshire College's Director of Learner Services), Joyce Watson AM and Laura Watts, middle right, Jane Hutt AM (Children, Education Lifelong Learning and Skills Minister), Laura Watts and Joyce Watson AM.
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