This article is from page 11 of the 2006-04-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
A SERIES of public meetings to ease concerns over the application process for third level grants will take place in May.
The meetings are being organised by Clare VEC to advise students and parents on how to proceed with applying for a third level grant.
The application process doesn’t begin until late summer, but Clare VEC hope that by holding the sessions people will be better prepared.
Clare VEC handles over 700 applications each year for third level grants for institutes of technology and students who have earned VEC scholarships. George O’Callaghan, CEO with Clare VEC, explained that many people experienced difficulties in the past, which led to payments been delayed.
“We hope that with these sessions, we will be able to answer people’s queries before the process begins in late August. It will take some of the fear out of it and that unknown factor.
“There has been some issues over the correct documentation with regards to passports and P60’s, so we are hoping that we will be able to clear that up. If the application is delayed, then payments will be delayed”.
The meetings will take place in Killaloe Community College, on May 2; Scoil Muire Ennistymon, on May 8; Kilrush Community School on May 15 and Ennis Community College on May 10.
The sessions are open to parents of Leaving Cert students and other adults, or mature students, who will be applying for maintenance grants. They will attended on the night by Mr O’Callaghan and VEC staff members.