Special Fund Still Helping with Student Costs - Apply Now

20 Jan 2010

Ambitious young people from the Ashby area can apply to a special fund for help with the costs of their education or chosen career.

The Mary Smith Scholarship Fund was set up in 1936 to help young people from the Ashby area to pursue their career or educational aspirations.

More than 60 years later, the fund is open to anyone under 25 who lives in or around Ashby, or is a former student of either Ashby School or Ivanhoe High School.

Clive Jones, Chair of Governors at Ashby School, who also sits on the Mary Smith Scholarship Fund panel, said: "This fund is a great opportunity for young people who need financial help to pursue their ambitions, to pay for training or to improve their career prospects."

Successful applicants can normally expect a grant of between £25 and £150.

Money is allocated by the scheme's Governors to provide:

  • scholarships, bursaries or maintenance allowances for any approved school, university or other learning establishment. It should be noted that Governors will not contribute to University tuition fees, accommodation or living expenses;
  • financial aid to buy outfits, clothing, tools, instruments or books to help applicants prepare for, or enter, their chosen profession;
  • funds for applicants to travel abroad to pursue their education;
  • financial help to study music or the arts;
  • facilities of any kind not normally provided by the Local Authority, for recreation and social and physical training, including coaching in athletics, sports and games for anyone in primary, secondary or further education.

Application forms are available from Janet Sketchley at Ashby School or by clicking here. Completed forms should be returned to Mrs Sketchley at the school by Friday 19 March 2010.

Applicants will be asked to attend an interview with the scheme's Governors on Friday 16 April 2010.

The Mary Smith Fund was set up by Alderman Frederick Smith, an old boy of Ashby School. It is believed to be in memory of his mother.

 

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