Eleven University of Ulster housing management students have each been awarded bursaries of £400 by a north Belfast housing association.
Newington Housing Association (NHA) is working in partnership with Newington Credit Union which has been operating a similar scheme for seven years, involving ten bursaries of up to400 a year for three years to students in further education.
NHA Operations Manager, Anthony Kerr, said his organisation was now able to financially support University of Ulster students.
“We have been aware of the benefits of student placements over the past several years and are delighted that we are able to invest in the future of young, dedicated housing professionals,” he explained.
“Our aim is to spread these awards over each four-year course to help provide a much-needed source of funding for all the students involved.”
Ulster Lecturer in Housing Studies, Dr Michaela Keenan said the University was active in promoting community inclusivity and this was a perfect example of how it achieved this.
“In terms of the BSc (Hons) Housing Management programme we work closely with the housing sector. Within our teaching we address the importance of inclusivity and the need for social housing providers to actively tackle social exclusion” she explained.
“We are, therefore, delighted that Newington Housing Association and Newington Credit Union have extended this bursary opportunity to our student base.
“The scheme will have a real financial impact on our students, and we would like to extend our thanks on behalf of the University and students.”
Mr Kerr said that to receive the bursary each student would have to maintain a Credit Union account throughout their period of study.
He added: “This account shall also help students by providing access to affordable credit during this period of financial uncertainty.”