INDEPENDENT charity, The Gallaher Trust, has announced a three-year extension to its scholarship scheme programmes delivered in partnership with Northern Regional College and Supporting Communities with £99k committed to the next period.
Designed to support disadvantaged young adults pursuing business or STEM based subjects, the scholarship schemes provide eligible students with a £1,000 technology package for the first year, with an annual £1,500 for each year of study at Northern Regional College, Queen’s University or Ulster University.
To date, 23 students have benefited from the scheme with four having graduated and moved into employment. Among them is Luke Kirkwood, a final year, Foundation Degree Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at Northern Regional College, who received the Study USA Spirit Award, following a placement year at Shenandoah University, Virginia, in recognition for his outstanding contribution to campus life.
“Supporting the next generation in their educational journey is something that’s very important to the Trust. That’s why we were pleased to extend our existing scholarship scheme programmes for another three years,” explained Roy Douglas, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust.
“Northern Ireland produces excellent students, who consistently excel. By teaming up with our delivery partners, we aim to remove barriers to further education for young people in the Ballymena area and to help them unlock their full potential.
“Seeing four graduates already in employment and Luke’s recent recognition only serves to highlight the broader opportunities that scholarships can open up, including studying abroad and culture exchange. On behalf of the Trust, congratulations to Luke and to all those who have graduated – their futures look very bright.”
The extensions for both schemes commenced in 2025.
Meanwhile, Aaron Ballantyne at Northern Regional College added: “The Gallaher Trust scholarship scheme is an invaluable opportunity for our students. This scholarship not only eases the financial pressure on local students and their families, but it also empowers students to pursue careers in business or STEM, which is vital for bolstering the wider economy and ensuring the development of a skilled workforce.
“Luke’s achievement in the US, alongside those of our graduates, shows how transformative this support can be by helping young people achieve their ambitions.”
“It’s very rewarding to see the impact that the scholarship scheme is having on the students,” continued Stephanie McKillop from Supporting Communities. “With the support of The Gallaher Trust, we’re not only helping young people to access higher education and to develop technical skills, we’re building a stronger more resilient community and ensuring our local economy is prepared for the future.
“The renewed commitment from the Trust means even more students will have the chance to pursue their chosen career path and make a positive impact across the region.”
Each scholarship programme will support students over their current period of study. Applicants must reside in the wider Ballymena area and be planning to study a full-time, higher-level education course in a business or STEM related subject at NRC or a local university.
Visit: https://www.nrc.ac.uk/ or https://supportingcommunities.org/ for more information or to apply.
For more information on The Gallaher Trust and the work of its delivery partners, visit: www.thegallahertrust.org.
