Three University of Ulster Step-Up students have each been awarded scholarships worth £1,000 sponsored by vehicle leasing company, CVC Direct.

David Ball, Tristan Dickey and Kara Chapman beat off stiff competition to scoop the three awards which will help support their academic studies.    

First year students who graduated from the University’s innovative Step-Up programme in August were invited to apply for the scholarships, highlighting how the funding would enhance their education. 

A scholarship committee, comprised of representatives from the University, Step-Up schools and industrial partners, then selected the three top entries.    

Stephen Shaw from CVC Direct said: “We are pleased to be able to provide scholarships to support these three talented and deserving students. We hope that the funding will provide them with enhanced educational opportunities.”  Dr Damian O’Kane, Head of Access and Educational Partnerships at Ulster, added: “We are extremely grateful to CVC for the generous provision of these three scholarships for Step-Up students. This financial support will help improve their educational experience and greatly assist the students in fulfilling their educational potential.”

The Step-Up Programme, based in the North-West and in the greater Belfast area, is a unique and innovative interventionist programme which provides new learning opportunities in science for talented young people who live in areas of social and economic disadvantage and is supported by the Department for Employment and Learning.