Dudley North MP Ian Austin has called on local colleges, universities and community groups to make the most of funds available from the National Express Foundation.

The Foundation, now in its seventh year, has already given hundreds of thousands of pounds to local community groups, colleges and universities, which has so far benefit over 16,000 young people. Austin wants to ensure community groups and colleges in Dudley make the most of the opportunity to use some of the funding available, to help even more local youngsters in the area.
 
The transport provider’s Foundation will provide grants for bursaries to help local disadvantaged young students attend further and higher education, as well as support local community groups working with local young people.Mr Austin said:
 
“Since 2012 the National Express Foundation has given hundreds of thousands of pounds to community groups, colleges and universities across the West Midlands and I want to make sure young people in Dudley get a fair share.
 
“There are some brilliant charities doing great work with young people in Dudley so I hope they apply for this opportunity”

The National Express Foundation will award £10,000 per annum to successful colleges and universities to enable them to provide individuals in challenging personal or financial situations with a bursary to help with their costs whilst a student.
 
The Foundation will also provide grants of £2,500 or £5,000 to local groups who will deliver positive and engaging activities for local young people in the community. Anthony Vigor, Chairman of the National Express Foundation, added:
 
“We are extremely proud that over the last six years, the National Express Foundation grants have helped over 16,000 young people to enjoy positive, developmental and engaging activities and helped them to gain qualifications and learn new skills.
 
“We want to support even more young people this year. We’ve therefore launched an additional funding round, to run alongside the projects we’re already supporting from our first programme earlier this year.
 
“External funding support is extremely limited - especially so in recent years - which is why I would urge all local educational institutions and community groups to make the most of this excellent opportunity and submit an application for Foundation funding.”