The Snowdon Award Scheme

The Snowdon Award Scheme provides grants to physically impaired students to help them make the most of further or higher education or training.

Grants awarded, from £250 to £2,000 (in exceptional circumstances, £2,500), are used for a range of extra needs, which are not being met by statutory or other sources. These are typically interpreter or notetaker support, personal carers, computers, wheelchairs, travel or accommodation costs.

Their application process is overseen by a selection panel made up of people with personal experience in many areas of disability and education. Successful applicants often find that a Snowdon Award reduces financial worries and enables them to concentrate more fully on their studies or training.

Applications are welcomed from students of any nationality, provided they are studying at a college or university within the United Kingdom. Their remit gives preference to those aged between 17 and 25; but they acknowledge that disability can occur at any time in later life and mature students will be supported if funds allow.

In the last year, 66 students were supported with grants amounting to over £100,000. Students' disabilities included sight and hearing impairments, paralysis, cerebral palsy, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, joint and bone diseases and lupus.

 
Checked: June 2006