Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm Education and Training Fund

About this fund

Applications for the 2025 bursaries from the Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm (PFOWF) STEM Education and Training Fund are now open with a closing date of 30th April.

The fund will run for four years and provide a total of £16,000 to support local students with their future studies, demonstrating a commitment to promoting and supporting STEM careers in the region. 

Purpose of this fund

The Fund provides school leavers from Thurso and Farr High Schools with financial support as they pursue their further and higher education studies in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) subjects.  

Additional criteria

Level of study - applications are welcome from students intending to undertake: University undergraduate degrees; HND's / HNC's; Apprenticeships or NC's.

Commitment to study – Ideally, the Donor would like to support candidates who will thrive at university, or further study, and achieve their aims. Candidates whose teachers report a good attitude and aptitude to study will be more likely to receive the award.

References – a positive reference from the candidate’s guidance teacher (or subject teacher) will be required.

Willingness to engage – candidates will be expected to maintain contact with their Foundation Scotland key contact. We understand that their decisions may change as their study progresses. However, candidates should let us know of any changes. Candidates will be willing to provide a photo and a quote to be used in marketing material when the scholarship is accepted. Interim progress updates and a final end of year report will also be required. Some candidates may also be invited back to the school to present to younger students to inspire future students about considering a STEM related subject at higher education, subject to the school holding a suitable event where this could be included.

Financial need – while this scholarship is not intended to be means tested, in order to select the most deserving candidate, the impact that this scholarship could make to the student financially could be considered. 

Community engagement – candidates who have demonstrated strong community engagement will be considered favourably (such as Duke of Edinburgh Award, John Muir award etc).

Who can apply?

Applications are welcomed from students at Thurso High School and Farr High School who are of high school age and who wish to continue to further or higher education, or other forms of training or apprenticeships this year.

It is a requirement of the Fund that students are studying a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics).  

What can’t be funded?

You cannot apply for funding for any costs incurred before a decision can be made on your application (retrospective funding).

We will not fund training or equipment that your employer should be providing for you or that is necessary for you to carry out your current job.

Apprentices cannot apply for any cost that can be claimed back from their employer or another source. 

How are decisions made?

Decisions will be made before the end of the summer term 2025.