Bursary Scheme
Audience at the John Hewitt International Summer School. Credit: Stephen Gordon
What is the bursary scheme?
The John Hewitt Society offers opportunities for people from Northern Ireland and beyond to experience literature, art and political debate and to explore issues of difference and identity in safe, neutral spaces.
The bursary scheme is a assisted community ticketing scheme and plays an important aspect of the Society’s outreach programme. Feedback from attendees tells us that without it many would be unable to attend the Summer School.
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and funders a limited number of community bursaries are available which cover the full cost of attendance at the Summer School.
The John Hewitt Society assesses community bursary applications to the John Hewitt International Summer School under the following criteria:
- First time applicants*
- Residency in Northern Ireland**
- Financial need e.g. employment status, student, in receipt of benefits
- Evidence of an interest in the ethos of the Summer School
- Evidence of how their experience could impact their local community
*Previous applicants MAY reapply but priority will be given to those who have not attended previously. In the instance of a returning applicant reapplying, those who received a bursary in the previous year will be ineligible.
**Bursaries funded by local councils are awarded to those who work or live within the council area. A limited number of bursaries are available to those living outside of Northern Ireland.
The Summer School 2015 at the Market Place Theatre
What is a bursary?
A bursary offers financial support to those who otherwise would not be able to attend the Summer School.
The scheme is aimed at those who would otherwise not be financially able and attracts a varied demographic: third-level students, at-home parents, professionals, retired/60+.
Full bursaries include accommodation for four nights, breakfast and lunch, and ticket entry to all events. The Society can also offer discretionary half bursaries which cover entrance to all Summer School events for those who may have personal circumstances that do not permit them to spend evenings away from home, such as carers or dependants. Accommodation is not provided for half bursaries.
In 2014 35% of applicants had not applied for a bursary the previous year; this is an encouraging figure, and we are hopeful we can make further improvements for 2015 by publicizing the community bursary scheme more widely to ensure the greatest benefits to those requiring the most support.
Students from the ieiMedia Armagh Project 2014.
Why should I apply?
“Really enjoyed, stimulated by an excellent and varied programme….Thank you. I have been amazed and delighted by the consistently high standard of all the events I have attended.”
“This event has really inspired me and pushed me to get back into prose writing again.”
“Thought provoking and challenging.”
Previous bursary students have gone on to become published writers, lead workshops, host live author events, invited to read at poetry and writing festivals, and work in the literary sector.
You can read about previous bursary student experiences on our website: http://johnhewittsociety.org/category/news/blog/
To apply, click the link Apply online for the 2015 Bursary Scheme at the top of this page to fill in the online application form. You must submit your application using the button at the end of the form or your application will not be received. Applications close at midday on 1 June 2015.
No comments:
Post a Comment