Staffordshire care leavers get helping hand to university and college

As young people in the county are celebrating their A-Level results today, 12 teenagers leaving care in Staffordshire will get an extra boost on their way to university and college. Europe’s largest independent IT Group SCC, who is contracted by Staffordshire County Council, has generously donated 12 laptops which will be given to young people leaving care who have worked hard to gain a higher education place. Of the 100 or so young people leaving care this year, around 12 are pursuing higher education. As the majority of children coming into the county council’s care do so as a result of neglect, those hoping to go to university or college often aren’t able to access the technology they need for their studies. County Councillor Philip White, Cabinet Member for Learning and Employability said: “Firstly, I want to congratulate everyone getting their A-level results today and wish them every success in whatever path they take. Every one of them should be proud of their achievements. “For young people in the care of the county council, we want to ensure that their circumstances are not a barrier to success, and they have the same chances to succeed as their counterparts who haven’t been in care. These laptops will be a tremendous help to our young people, who have worked hard to beat the odds and secure a place at university and college.” SCC Account Manager Dan Horton said: “We are happy to be able to provide these laptops, alongside bags, chargers, pens and notebooks. “It is a great pleasure to offer our help in this circumstance, knowing full well that this gesture will go a long way to a young person attending University for many years. It also gives us a great story of the partnership that Staffordshire County Council and SCC have together. We are now looking at how we can continue to help the council’s young people attending university year-on-year, and also how the wider SCC Group can offer help to these people in terms of apprenticeships. The county council’s website has a wealth of information about choosing the right path after A-Levels. Visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/learningroutes to learn more.