TWO students who put their energy into an essay competition have won welcome support towards going to university.
Sixth formers James Quean and Hannah Dudley, who are doing A levels at Trinity Academy, in Thorne, have received a provisional offer of a bursary award from the Malcolm Wicks Memorial Fund.
The fund was set up by community interest company National Grid Affordable Warmth Solutions in memory of the late Malcolm Wicks MP.
To enter the competition, the students had to write an essay on the social impact of energy policy, fuel poverty, energy efficiency and tackling climate change, and then be interviewed by representatives of the fund.
James, who is applying to East Anglia University to study economics, said: “The interview was really tough but the questions did get me thinking about wider economic issues and challenges facing society.
“I am hoping to go on to work within the financial sector once I complete my degree and have a positive impact on the industry and its corporate social responsibility.”
Hannah, who is planning to study applied sciences at a local university, added: “I didn’t think I would be awarded the bursary. It is a fantastic opportunity and it will help me to achieve my career and life goals. “
The bursary is worth £1,500 in each academic year of the students’ higher education courses.
As well as the annual bursary, the students will also have the opportunity to work with National Energy Action during their summer breaks to gain work experience and earn money while at university.
Trinity Academy principal David Page said: “I am really proud of James and Hannah, not only for using their time to complete the essays but also in excelling at the interview stage.
“Young people in our local area can be limited in their choice of university due to financial restrictions and bursaries such as this allow more students to achieve their goals and aspirations.”
The bursaries will be confirmed after the students complete their A levels and have enrolled onto a higher education course within a sciences based subject area.
