Programme

Next Steps Bursary programme – info for applicants

We have created the Next Steps Bursary programme to ensure that we can support young people to overcome barriers or challenges that may be standing in the way of them taking their next steps into further or higher education, or employment. In addition to financial assistance, successful applicants will also receive tailored support which can be equally, if not more valuable.

Who can apply: We are accepting applications from Y13 students currently attending an Aldridge school or college.

Bursary awards: Successful applicants will be awarded a one-off bursary or a multi-year bursary. The award value of the majority of bursaries will be a one-off payment of up to £2k or a multi-year bursary of up to £2k per year. The value and number of years covered by a bursary will be dependent on use of funds, personal circumstances and length of the course (up to a maximum of 4 years).

What can bursaries be used for? Bursaries can be used for one or more of the following:

further and higher education fees
professional qualification course and exam fees or membership to a professional body for networking and career learning purposes
contribution to travel, accommodation and subsistence to support your next steps
contribution to course study resources/specialist equipment
mentorships and work-experience/internships/other employability schemes
attendance at events/conferences/training courses
access extra-curricular activities to develop essential life skills
access opportunities to boost employability or enterprise/entrepreneurship skills
taking a language course to support employability
funding travel/accommodation for an overseas work placement, volunteering or research trip (not a general gap year)

How to apply:

Download and read the applicant guidance application guidance notes You should refer back to this document throughout the application process.
Download the application template and model answers to see an overview of the questions – we advise you to draft your answers in this word document before copy and pasting into the online application form.
Complete and submit the online application form. Only online applications will be considered.

Deadline for applications: Midnight on 31st January 2025

You should find all of the information you need within the attached documents however if you have any questions please contact us via email on nextsteps@aldridgefoundation.com