Local schools offered grand scheme for BT Young Science & Technology exhibition

The BT Travel & Accommodation Grant Scheme, created for students taking part in the world renowned science competition, last year provided 29 grants to 17 schools across Northern Ireland. Last year four schools from County Antrim availed of the bursary but BT wants to ensure that more schools take advantage of the scheme.

Colm O’Neill, CEO of BT, said: “We understand the financial challenges schools and parents face in these uncertain economic times. This grant scheme is an investment in young people, ensuring that they have every opportunity to showcase their talent and can seize the benefits that this excellent exhibition can bring them.

“We want more Northern Ireland schools to understand that there is substantial assistance on offer and that costs do not need to be a barrier to entry to the competition.”

Speaking about the grant scheme teacher Paul Wilson from Ballyclare High School, which received financial aid last year, said: “The grant made available by BT supported our school in taking part in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in January.

“Last year we won the University of Ulster Northern Ireland Special Award for our project ‘An investigation into finding an alternative to petroleum based inks to prevent food contamination from packaging’.

“The project developed by students Megan McWhirter and Rebekah McNeill was entered in the Biological and Ecological category, Junior section. We also won the Irish Science Teachers Association Special Award for the project Music through aluminum foil in a magnetic field and the project was Highly Commended.

“The event is a unique experience which has really encouraged pupils to consider careers in science and engineering. We all had a great time and I will be encouraging pupils to use their understanding and innovation to develop projects to enter into the forthcoming BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.”

Schools which are located over 70km from the RDS where the competition takes place, can apply for a grant of £135 per individual entry or £275 for a group entry, up to a maximum of £1,350 per school.

The exhibition is organised by BT, one of the world’s leading communications and IT services companies. The closing date for project submissions for the 2013 exhibition is October 1 - and BT is hoping to break a new record for entry numbers.

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS, Dublin from January 9 to 12.

For more information on the exhibition, log onto www.btyoungscientist.com, check out www.facebook.com/BTYSTE, follow on twitter at twitter.com/btyste