by Jim O’Hagan

A pioneering sponsorship scheme is helping young people from challenging backgrounds to go to University.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul in Glasgow initiated the Frederic Ozanam Scholarship several years ago to help pupils of Catholic secondary schools in the Glasgow archdiocese with the cost of further education at university.

Priority was given to pupils who, because of financial hardship, would not be likely to embark on a university education.

The scheme, which was piloted in four schools, awards the sum of £1,500 to each successful applicant, to be paid in each year of their chosen degree course.

The pilot was deemed successful and was extended to 12 schools.

Jim O’Hagan has been a member of SSVP member for 35 years and is currently president of St. Helen’s and St. Gabriel’s Conference and of the Glasgow South Group.

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