The programme will offer ten scholarships each year to students from four second-level schools- Coláiste Chomáin, Ros Dumhach; Our Lady’s Secondary School, Belmullet; St Brendan’s College, Belmullet; and St. Patrick’s College, Lacken-Cross.
The scholarships, valued at €4,000 per annum each, will cover the full period of the course undertaken up to a maximum of four years and will be offered to students starting third level in 2007, 2008, 2009. The programme will be reviewed after 2009.
An Independent Board will select the successful candidates. They will make their final decision after reviewing all applications.
The Chairman of the Scholarship Board, Mr Seán Staunton, said he was pleased to be associated with the Scheme. “This is a welcome investment in the education of young people living in Erris. The area is distant from most of the third level facilities and the funding will help the award winners to meet the travel and accommodation costs associated with third level education.”
Mr Terry Nolan, Shell’s Deputy Managing Director said: “We are committed to delivering significant long-term benefits for local people in Erris – most importantly by providing employment and business opportunities, but also by other projects such as this scholarship scheme. Shell operates a number of scholarship programmes all over the world and I am pleased that we are continuing that programme here in Erris”.
Application forms and information packs are available through the four schools, through Shell’s office in Bangor.
