Empowering Local Education through Community Education and Training Funds
In 2024, the Nadara Energy Westfield Wind Farm Community Fund (Kinglassie) Education and Training Fund awarded a £1,000 bursary to support Morgan, a local student pursuing higher education at Stirling University.
The fund provided financial support over 2 annual £500 instalments - so, across two academic years. This is what is known as a multi-year award. In doing so, the fund has demonstrated a commitment to fostering educational advancement within the Kinglassie community.
Morgan, the recipient of the award, is a dedicated third-year student from Kinglassie, Fife, who is one of only two residents from their secondary school year group to pursue a university education.
Morgan enrolled in a BA (Hons) Business Studies and Management programme in 2021 at the University of Stirling and was commuting daily between Kinglassie to Stirling. This journey, spanning up to an hour each way (depending on traffic conditions), demonstrated the significant commitment from Morgan in terms of time and financial resources for studying.
Funding opportunities
When the Kinglassie Education & Training Fund launched, Morgan decided to apply for a grant to help with the final two years of their educational journey. The bursary supported Morgan with travel expense costs to and from the university. The costs amounted to around £50 per week and were creating a substantial financial burden for someone on a student budget.
Morgan applied for a multiyear grant and the decision making Panel, which is made up of local residents who ensure that awards have a direct impact in the community, agreed to provide £500 per year for two years, in order to support Morgan's travel costs and for the cost of course books for the final two years of study.
By alleviating some of the financial pressures, the grant has allowed Morgan to focus more effectively on their academic pursuits.
Morgan said
"I am hopeful that once I complete my degree course in Business Studies and Management it will give me a better opportunity to secure employment. The grant has sustained my studies, as being at university can be very stressful and the grant has removed some of the financial pressures associated with studying!”
Impact and Outcomes
The bursary is expected to have both immediate and long-term positive impacts:
- Alleviates the financial burden of daily commuting costs
- Enables full-time study commitment
- Supports the completion of a valuable business qualification
- Enhances employment prospects
- Contributes to local skills development
- Serves as an inspiration for other Kinglassie residents considering higher education
The award is particularly meaningful given Morgan’s status at the time, as one of few local residents pursuing university education, potentially serving as a catalyst for increased educational participation within the community.
Moving Forward
The second instalment of the grant is contingent upon the recipient's continued academic progress and submission of both a brief report and proof of enrolment into their fourth year. This structure ensures accountability while providing sustained support throughout the remainder of the degree programme, which is set to be completed on 30th June 2025.
On a final note
This case study is a great example of how a local community can play a vital role in supporting educational advancement and creating opportunities for residents to pursue higher education despite financial barriers.
The structured support provided by the Nadara Energy Westfield Wind Farm Community Fund demonstrates a meaningful investment in local talent and future workforce development.