Financial boost for young people staying in learning after exams
| Published: 22nd August 2008 10:54 |
Learning And Skills Council (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Financial boost for young people staying in learning after exams
Results season can be an anxious time for exam students as they consider the options available to them after GCSEs, but young people are being encouraged to take advantage of the financial support of up to £30 a week that is available from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for students staying on in learning.
The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is available for young adults aged 16 to 18, to help them carry on with full-time education at college or school. There are no restrictions on how the money is spent, so long as the learner stays in full-time education - many young people use the grant to pay for books and travel, to help with their course.
Jane Lyon, Director of Area for the LSC in the Humber, said:
"There is a wealth of opportunities to help young people get better skilled and many students find the financial support of EMA can make a real difference, helping them to stay in learning and gain the higher skills and qualifications that will provide a foundation for a more successful and fulfilling future."
EMA is in weekly payment bands of £30, £20, or £10, depending on family income. It's for young adults aged 16, 17 or 18, who are in or about to leave, or have already left education to start full-time further education courses at a college or school, LSC-funded Diplomas (where available) and courses that lead to an Apprenticeship or LSC-funded e2e programmes.
Household benefits are not affected and young people can still have a part-time job. The EMA is paid directly into their bank account, and hard-working students can also be in line for cash bonuses at Christmas and certain other times of year.
Students can call in at their local college to talk to someone about whether they're eligible for EMA. They can also go to http://www.direct.gov.uk/ema for more details, or call 0800 121 8989.
