Wind farm powers local STEM scholarships

A North East initiative is boosting opportunities for students pursuing STEM education.

Dogger Bank Wind Farm, a group of offshore wind farms under construction off the east coast of Yorkshire in the North Sea, has awarded 30 additional £5000 scholarships to young people from coastal communities in South Tyneside, Redcar and Cleveland, and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Bosses say the grants will help students continue their studies in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects and prepare for careers supporting a net-zero future.

This latest round brings the total number of scholarships awarded to 123, as part of Dogger Bank’s wider £25 million community investment fund.

Kay Doragh, community investment manager for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said: “We are delighted to be able to make a real difference to students in our region through a scholarship that tackles the immediate living costs around university.

“It’s always amazing to see the range of skills these young people are developing across STEM subjects, helping to build the knowledge we need for a greener future.”

The programme focuses on areas closely linked to the wind farm, including East Riding of Yorkshire and Redcar and Cleveland, where the project connects to the National Grid, as well as South Tyneside, which will host the future Operation and Maintenance Base.

Recipients are studying a diverse range of STEM courses, from computer science and natural sciences to energy engineering and other engineering degrees.

Thomas Chantry, who is studying physics at The University of Hull, added: “A course like physics is very content heavy and if I’m not in a lecture then I am doing assignments or reading up on lectures to help develop my understanding of the course, so this scholarship will mean I will have more time for this as on a weekend.”

Sophie Jennings from South Shields, who is studying computer science at Newcastle University, added: “It feels great to get this scholarship from a project based in South Shields, where I’m from.

“It’s really good that local people are getting the opportunity to be able to focus on their degrees, to pursue what they want to do in the future.”

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