The bursary scheme took place for the first time in 2022, with 19 young people from across the Borough participating in a wide range of experiences and learning new skills. The scheme in memory of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Philip), arose from a motion proposed by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Leah Smyth and was approved by Council in April 2021.
The aim of the scheme is to enable, encourage and empower our youth by providing an annual bursary of up to £1,000. A total of twenty bursaries are available for young people in the Borough aged 11-25. The bursary can be used to purchase equipment and to fund further training/tuition or personal development courses. This scheme is different to and not linked with the well-known Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme.
The Duke of Edinburgh Legacy Bursary Scheme provides an opportunity for young people to develop their personal and life skills through a 10-week programme of activities where they will learn about social issues, good relations, leadership and volunteering. Taster sessions in health and wellbeing, money management, photography, sports, arts, environment and IT will also be on offer.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said “I am absolutely delighted that Council are reopening the Duke of Edinburgh Legacy Bursary Scheme following the overwhelming success of last year’s scheme which I saw for myself whilst meeting the young people taking part. I would encourage anyone who works with young people to consider nominating them or signposting them to apply for this very worthwhile bursary scheme.”
Councillor Leah Smyth added “As Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh Legacy Bursary Scheme Working Group I am delighted that the scheme is opening again for a second year. The feedback that we have received from the participants and their parents on the first year of the scheme has been so positive and I am looking forward to seeing another group of young people benefit.”
One young person from last year’s programme, commented “I enjoyed meeting new people, I would really recommend the scheme for young people and it taught us a lot of new skills that we can use now and when we are older.”
Applications/nominations for the scheme are now open and will close on Friday 9 June. All applications/nominations must be made online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/DukeOfEdinburgh