WeeWee Bursary – 24/25 Full Year Impact

The Wee Bursary in Glasgow is supported by a range of co-funders. In its first year, the Bursary supported 360 children and young people. The Bursary runs to an academic year (from September). 

FARE Scotland is the grant manager and manages referral pathways for all children and young people including outward referral networks to other partners including Money Ready.  

Now in its second full year, ongoing cost-of-living pressures has increased demand. We supported 346 children and young people with over £75k of bursaries distributed.

• 35% of all bursaries continued to alleviate hardship.
• 40% of all bursaries supported 11-15 year olds
• 50% supported 16-18 year olds.
• The average bursary increased from £190 (2023/24) to £221 (2024/25). 

Fare Scotland has undertook surveys and analysis.  The outcomes :-

• Reduced financial burden on families 
• Improved access to employment e.g. apprenticeships
• Enhanced access to education e.g. sample surveys indicated an 85% improvement in attendance and educational engagement. 
• Boosted confidence, belonging, attendance, attainment. Sample surveys indicated that there was a 77% increase in self-confidence and esteem and 70% improvement in mental health.

The young person would not have been able to afford driving lessons which would have made attending her apprenticeship very challenging. Having faced a series of serious life challenges, the bursary took away one stress allowing the young person to focus on working through the difficulties they were facing, whilst being able to attend their apprenticeship.  

Person A was offered a start with a reputable construction company on a Friday if he could obtain his CSCS card. Through this bursary award, he obtained the funding to achieve this and had achieved his CSCS card within 7 days. The company confirmed his start date and the remainder of the bursary was used to provide work clothing for different weather conditions. The young person started work and remains in employment nearly a year later. The quick turnaround for this particular case was a massive success for all involved.

The bursary gave me a chance I never thought possible. It made me believe in my talent and showed me that with support, I can achieve my dreams. To funders, your investment changes lives — it’s more than money; it’s hope and opportunity.