New Scholarship Programme for Ballymena Students

Cameron McCaw (standing) and Alex Hamill are both starting university this year with support from the scholarship programme delivered in partnership with The Gallaher Trust and Supporting Communities.

Supporting Communities partnered with the Gallaher Trust for the first time this year to run a new scholarship programme for students in the Ballymena area hoping to attend university in Northern Ireland. The Fund targeted year 14 students who were applying to university to study a STEM or business degree.

The quality of the applicants we received was very high overall, and after a rigorous application and interview process, we were delighted to award scholarships to two deserving young men.

Cameron McCaw from Ahoghill is off to Stramillis University College to become a teacher of post-primary mathematics.

In his application, Cameron wrote that he has always been interested in becoming a teacher and looks forward to giving back to the next generation all the support he has received from his own teachers growing up.

He told us, “I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity. The financial support means so much to my family and will go a long way to helping pay for my fees and accommodation. Hopefully, when I qualify, I’ll be able to do something I’m passionate about, which is teaching children the importance of STEM subjects and helping them prepare for their careers.”

Alex Hamill, who comes from Broughshane, is working towards a Business and Economics degree at Queens University.

In his application, Alex detailed his extensive marketing and business experience to date, working with the Ballymena United Football Club, assisting with both of his parents’ businesses, and working on the family farm.

He told us, “The scholarship fund has helped relieve the financial burden on me so much. It’s very expensive to go to university now, and the fund will help me with the fees, books, and other bills.”

Stephen Marks, Business Development Officer at Supporting Communities congratulates the two winning students, Alex and Cameron.

Stephen Marks, our Business Development Advisor, who worked to put the scholarship programme in place, explains the importance of this new venture.

“Supporting Communities is committed to providing opportunities and creating pathways to education. Our partnership with the Gallaher Trust demonstrates that commitment in a tangible way. The scholarship programme is specifically designed to target young people who are facing financial barriers to higher education and support them in their educational journey.

We had a number of high-quality applications, but Cameron and Alex stood out as this year’s scholarship winners. I am pleased to say this award will support them until the end of their degree.

From all of us at Supporting Communities, we wish them the best of luck at university!”

Cameron and Alex were each awarded £2,000 per year for up to four years of their degree. They will also receive £1,500 to buy IT equipment in their first year.

We are delighted to confirm that the scholarship programme will continue for at least three years. Two students per year will be chosen to participate. Applications for the 2023/2024 academic year will open in the new year. Applicants must be studying a STEM or Business subject and be from the Ballymena area to apply.