2nd November 2005
“Earn as you
Learn” Scheme an “Overwhelming Success” – McNeil
200
young people in Inverclyde are taking advantage of Education Maintenance
Allowances and staying on at school, new figures have revealed.
In
addition, 95% of these students received at least 1 bonus payment of £150
for sticking with their course and making good progress with their studies.
The
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) was launched across Scotland in August
2004 for 16 year-olds from families with an income of less than £30,000 a year.
Young people receive a payment of between £10 and £30 a week to
encourage them stay on in school.
MSP
for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, says today’s figures show that the
Executive’s earn as you learn scheme is proving an “overwhelming success”
in his constituency and is encouraging more young people to stay on at school.
“Staying
on at school is one of the smartest moves you can make, so I’m delighted that
200 local young people have decided to take advantage of EMAs and get the most
out of their education. Not only
are they are earning as they’re learning, the longer they stay in school, the
better their future prospects and job opportunities will be,” he said.
“Young
people dropping out of school at 16, when they obviously have the potential to
carry on with their education, is a huge waste of talent and ability. I’m
glad that the Scottish Parliament recognises this and is working to give young
people the encouragement and support they deserve to continue with their
education.”
He
added:
“Secondary
Schools throughout Greenock and Inverclyde should have contacted those pupils
who may qualify for the allowance and most pupils will have already received
forms from their schools. However,
if you have not received any details and you believe you or your child could
benefit from an EMA, don’t hesitate to get in touch with my office or
your child’s school.”
ENDS
Notes
EMAs were introduced across
Scotland from August 2004 for 16 year olds (whose birthday fell between 1st
March 1988 and 30th September 1988). People
born between 1 October 1988 and 28 February 1989 became eligible to join the
programme in January 2005. In the
coming two years, eligibility will extend to 17 and 18 year olds.
23,650
students received EMA payments in Scotland in 2004-05.
Of this total, 19,540 are aged 16, which is around 29% of all 16 year
olds in Scotland. 54% of this total
are females and 71% are at school, and 29% at further education college.
Payments
are paid directly into the young person’s bank account.
Young
people may also be able to receive two periodic bonuses of £150 if they remain
on their course and make good progress with their learning. Bonuses are paid out
in January/February and June/July.
The
amount students are eligible for is based on family income: