2023 has been marked as an incredible year as NEC celebrated its 60th birthday. As part of the celebrations, NEC offered a bursary which presented the opportunity to support a learner to get back into the workplace or to work towards a long awaited career change. The Bursary would fund up to a maximum of £1,000 towards the learner’s study with NEC.

After closing in early August, NEC took to reviewing the applications and after much consideration made the decision to award Mrs Islam with the bursary.

Although the applications were all impressive in their own right and difficult to narrow down, NEC ultimately chose Mrs’s Islam’s application due to her passion and honesty. NEC were moved by Mrs Islam’s words and feel her application summed up perfectly what NEC represents in its mission to support lifelong learning.

In her application, Mrs Islam gave insight into her life trying to find balance between juggling motherhood and wanting to continue her path to education. Having put her educational dreams on hold for 13 years, NEC’s bursary will help make those dreams a reality.

After hearing the news, Mrs Islam said:

“I’m delighted to have been successful in being chosen by the NEC for the 60th Bursary. The NEC have been paramount in helping students achieve their full potential and I will have the privilege of being one of those students. They have pioneered adult and distance learning education for many years and this bursary is evident of their dedication to help students truly achieve their aspirations. 

I have waited 13 years to return to education, especially the NEC, after motherhood and am sincerely grateful my dreams have been fulfilled. The generosity of the NEC can never be underestimated and I will make them proud the day I’m accepted into my chosen university. That will only be possible due to this once in lifetime Bursary.

Thank you, NEC! “

We are delighted to be able to present Mrs Islam with the opportunity to return to education and look forward to supporting her throughout her journey as she takes on the A level Geography course. 

Everyone here at NEC would like to wish Mrs Islam good luck on her new educational venture and give special thanks to all the wonderful applicants who took the time to apply for the bursary.