Additional Funding Announced to Combat Digital Poverty & Student Hardship

Stewart has today welcomed an announcement by the Economy Minister that the NI Executive has committed £1.7m in funding to tackle digital poverty for further education students, and £10.4m to bolster student hardship funds.

Stewart echoed comments made by NUS-USI President, Ellen Fearon, stating: "This funding is much needed for students whose experience of the pandemic has been especially difficult. Today's announcement will be huge relief to those struggling with housing uncertainty, financial pressure, and academic stress. It will now be key to ensure this funding is made accessible without delay, and I will be monitoring this roll-out in the coming days and weeks."