Today (15 August), young people in the county are celebrating their A-Level results, and 12 teenagers leaving care in Staffordshire will get an extra boost on their way to university and college.
Contracted by Staffordshire County Council, Europe’s largest independent IT group SCC, has generously donated 12 laptops which will be given to young people leaving care who have worked hard to gain a higher education place.
County Councillor Mark Sutton, Cabinet Member Children and Young People 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.”
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. Of the 100 young people leaving care this year, around 12 are pursuing higher education.
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 young 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.
