The Background
The Higher Education Support Scheme (HESS) was set up in 1995, directly funded by the Northside Partnership's budget. In 1997, funding support was sourced from the Department of Education and Science. Its aim is to support students from low-income families to participate in third-level education. Following a recommendation in the Report of the Action Group on Access to Higher Education, the Department of Education launched the Millennium Fund during 2000, which had an overall budget of £1m. This overall fund was increased to €3m by 2005.
 The Objective
The Northside Partnership has been able to avail of funding under the Millennium Fund to provide practical financial assistance to students in areas of need such as travel, books, materials, fees, childcare and rent. As well as the financial help our Guidance Counsellor offers one-to-one guidance and support to students. This is done with the overall objective of supporting students from our catchment area to attend and achieve within 3rd level education. During 2007/8, we are supporting 240 students studying for a variety of higher education programmes leading to national qualifications up to degree and postgraduate level.
Applicants
The Millennium Fund accepts applications from students at the start of each academic year. In the coming months we will be advertising for new candidates for the 2008/2009 college year. Applicants will be able to download the application form from this website. All qualifying applicants will be interviewed and if successful at the interview stage, will receive support for their third level education. For students to qualify for higher education support they have to come under the income threshold set for the local authority grant scheme.
For further information contact:
Paul Hayes, Guidance Counsellor:
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Linda Shanley - Administrator:
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