Students, parents and members of the general public are being invited to join a workshop on higher education funding.
ESC Minister Deputy Rod Bryans is holding the event to hear Islanders’ views about the current system for university courses but also their ideas for other methods of funding. The evening workshop will take place on 29 July at Highlands College Great Hall.
Deputy Bryans said: “We want to support as many people as possible to get to university, but we can’t ignore the fact that the Island is faced with a large deficit and funds are limited. It is a genuine concern and, despite considerable work we have not been able to identify an affordable, easy solution.
“I am conscious that we live in a community of talented people who may have suggestions that we have not yet considered. My message is that if you think you have a solution, we would like to hear it.”
The workshop is open to anyone with an interest in higher education funding, whether or not they have been a student or parent.
Deputy Bryans added: “Ultimately this is an issue the whole island will need to address and make a choice about. I am hoping to hear from people who have benefited from the current scheme and those who have not – maybe financiers or ordinary taxpayers who have not been to university or have no children to send. It’s important to have a wide cross-section of people discussing this issue and looking for answers.
The July workshop may be the first in a series if there is sufficient public demand. Small groups of six to eight participants will have round-table discussions before feeding back to the workshop.
Places are limited. In the first instance, people who are interested in attending are asked to email [email protected] or call the Student Finance office on 449457. Attendees can also register here https://hefundingworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
For further information or interviews with ESC Minister Deputy Rod Bryans or Andy Gibbs (Head of Lifelong Learning and Skills) please contact Tracy Mourant on 449302 or email [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected] 721 559.
In 2015 ESC has a budget of £9.1 million on supporting students through higher education. The current finance scheme is a means-tested grant that covers some of the living expenses and tuition fees. Each student must contribute the first £1,500 a year of tuition fees and a Jersey student loan of £4,500 is available for this purpose.
