DISADVANTAGED students in Dorset could benefit from two bursary funds, managed by the Dorset Community Foundation, which are now open for applications.

Young residents looking to access or continue vocational courses but need additional support because of difficult personal circumstances are being encouraged to apply for funding.

The Superior STEM Bursary Fund, established by local engineering company Superior, will focus on supporting students aged 16 to 21 with grants of up to £1,500 who are undertaking a STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) course at either Bournemouth and Poole or Brockenhurst College. The fund will only support students from a particular area in Dorset covering Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Wimborne and the surrounding areas.

Support of up to £1,000 is also available from the Dorset Community Foundation's own Bursary Scheme which supports young people aged 16 to 21 from across Dorset. Those on traineeships affiliated with the four local colleges can also apply for support.

Both the Superior STEM Bursary Fund and the DCF Bursary Scheme assist young people who are particularly disadvantaged and help them fund things such as travel costs, equipment and special clothing.

The foundation established the DCF Bursary Scheme thanks to a legacy gift from a local retired teacher Marjorie Gordon who was passionate about education.

Dorset Community Foundation has distributed more than £10 million in support to hundreds of local groups across the county over the last 16 years. Thousands of Dorset residents facing exclusion and disadvantage have received help though the generosity of local people, companies and trusts the charity works with.

The deadline for applications is 12pm on Friday, September 30.

For more details or to apply please visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org or call 01202 670815.

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