Looking to study engineering at university but needing help and support?
WHEN a local engineering company decided to celebrate their 10th anniversary,
they sought something more substantial than a cake and a party to mark
the occasion. Whitehaven-based REACT Engineering wanted to establish a charity
that would stop the brain-drain of talent from the area. The haemorrhaging of
bright engineers to companies across the country and the need to stimulate
local students’ interest in engineering resulted in the setting up of The REACT
Foundation in 2004.
Pete Woolaghan , Chairman of the REACT Foundation, said:
‘We are passionate about supporting, encouraging and nurturing exciting and ambitious local talent. While we
want them to travel the country and study engineering at the very best universities, we also want them to
return home, bringing back that knowledge and ambition to succeed in engineering.’
Smart, motivated young people may have a real interest in engineering, but for various reasons, may be
dissuaded from studying it at university.
‘Our aim is to support anyone who feels they would enjoy studying engineering, but don’t know where to turn.’
said Pete. ‘The Foundation has thought long and hard about the best ways to access and offer support to
local young people, and we hope our commitment shows in the various schemes we organise. We believe
engineering is a fulfilling career and here in West Cumbria we can offer returning students plenty of
opportunities to work in engaging, flexible and creative environments where they can realise their potential.’
Subsequently, the Foundation initially established an annual £1,000 bursary awarded to those heading
for engineering degrees courses - as well as offering iPods prizes to encourage year 11 pupils to
consider engineering.
With the rising costs of heading for uni, in 2008 the Trustees raised the Bursary Prize to the cost of the 1st year's university fees - currently £3,145.00. They also decided to award a Year 11 Prize to a pupil in every West Cumbrian School - the Year 11 Award is currently £200.
‘I agree these are attractive incentives! Who wouldn’t have wanted £3,145.00 to start uni?’ Pete added.
‘However, we hope that students will eventually discover that a career in engineering is ultimately the very
best reward.’
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