By 
THREE higher education students at South West College have been awarded prestigious Community Scholarships, worth a combined total of £31,200, to cover full-time tuition fees for all three years of their study.
The scholarships awarded to Connor McCusker and Luke Mimnagh, both from Omagh, and Danielle Denley, from Irvinestown, form part of SWC’s ongoing commitment to widening access and participation in Higher Education for students from local feeder schools and the college.
Covering full tuition fees over three years, the awards will support Connor, Luke and Danielle as they complete their Foundation Degree and Degree-level studies, removing a significant financial barrier and helping them to focus fully on their academic goals.
Connor and Luke will study the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Science in Computing. Upon successful completion of this programme, they will progress to the one-year Open University BSc (Hons) Computing Science Top-up programme.
Danielle has been awarded a scholarship to study The Open University Foundation Degree in Visual Media Arts and on successful completion, will progress to the one-year Open University BA (Hons) Visual Media Arts Top-up programme.
Connor said, “This Higher Education scholarship will make a huge difference by removing the financial pressure of tuition fees. With fewer money worries, I should be able to focus fully on my studies and make the most of my time at SWC whilst gaining my degree.”
Luke added, “Studying at the College means I can earn a recognised degree without the extra costs of moving away, and now with my tuition fees covered, and the high-quality teaching and facilities here I feel I have everything I need to succeed in the IT sector.”
Danielle echoed this, saying, “SWC’s creative and supportive environment made it my first choice. Being able to stay at home and gain my degree locally, with the added support of this scholarship, has taken away the worry of student debt and opened up exciting opportunities for my future.”
Celine McCartan, SWC principal and chief executive, praised the scholarship recipients and reaffirmed the college’s dedication to supporting students in higher education.
“This financial support will empower students like Connor, Luke, and Danielle to pursue their ambitions and succeed in their studies, free from the financial burden of tuition fees,” she added.
