Gallaher Trust renews scholarship schemes for three more years as students celebrate key achievements

Pictured are the latest cohort of students from the Supporting Communities Scholarship Scheme, Noah Hought, Michael Cushenan, Caoimhe Layland McGroggan and Jelisejs Sestakovs, alongside Stephanie McKilliop, far left and Sandra Ross, far right, from Supporting Communities. 

The Gallaher Trust has announced a further three-year extension to its scholarship schemes, securing £99,000 in funding to support disadvantaged young adults pursuing business or STEM-based studies in the Ballymena area.

The schemes, delivered in partnership with Northern Regional College (NRC) and Supporting Communities, are designed to remove financial barriers for learners.

Eligible students benefit from a £1,000 technology package in their first year and an annual £1,500 for each year of study at Northern Regional College, Queen’s University Belfast or Ulster University.

To date, 23 students have received support through the initiative. Four have now graduated and progressed into employment, while another, Luke Kirkwood – a final-year Foundation Degree Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at NRC – has been awarded the prestigious Study USA Spirit Award.

Luke received the accolade following a placement year at Shenandoah University in Virginia, recognising his “outstanding contribution to campus life”.

Pictured is Luke Kirkwood, a final year, Foundation Degree Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at Northern Regional College, who received the Study USA Spirit Award, following a placement year at Shenandoah University, Virginia, in recognition for his outstanding contribution to campus life.

Roy Douglas, Trustee at The Gallaher Trust, said:

“Supporting the next generation in their educational journey is something that’s very important to the Trust. That’s why we were pleased to extend our existing scholarship scheme programmes for another three years.”

He continued:

“Northern Ireland produces excellent students, who consistently excel. By teaming up with our delivery partners, we aim to remove barriers to further education for young people in the Ballymena area and to help them unlock their full potential.

“Seeing four graduates already in employment and Luke’s recent recognition only serves to highlight the broader opportunities that scholarships can open up, including studying abroad and culture exchange. On behalf of the Trust, congratulations to Luke and to all those who have graduated – their futures look very bright.”

The renewed scholarship commitments took effect at the beginning of 2025 and will cover students through their current period of study.

Aaron Ballantyne from Northern Regional College praised the impact of the support:

“The Gallaher Trust scholarship scheme is an invaluable opportunity for our students. This scholarship not only eases the financial pressure on local students and their families, but it also empowers students to pursue careers in business or STEM, which is vital for bolstering the wider economy and ensuring the development of a skilled workforce.

“Luke’s achievement in the US, alongside those of our graduates, shows how transformative this support can be by helping young people achieve their ambitions.”

Stephanie McKillop from Supporting Communities added:

“It’s very rewarding to see the impact that the scholarship scheme is having on the students. With the support of The Gallaher Trust, we’re not only helping young people to access higher education and to develop technical skills, we’re building a stronger more resilient community and ensuring our local economy is prepared for the future.

“The renewed commitment from the Trust means even more students will have the chance to pursue their chosen career path and make a positive impact across the region.”

Under the scheme, applicants must live in the wider Ballymena area and plan to study a full-time higher-level business or STEM course at NRC or a local university.

More information and application details are available at Northern Regional College and Supporting Communities.

Further details about The Gallaher Trust can be found on its website.