A new bursary scheme

Our brand-new activity centre events bursary scheme is being offered directly to girls – and we’re starting with Twisted Tech, our new science and tech event

Our brand-new activity centre events bursary scheme is being offered directly to girls. The aim is to ensure that every single young member has the chance to visit a Girlguiding activity centre.

We’re launching the scheme by offering bursaries for Twisted Tech, our new science and tech event, which takes place at Foxlease from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 April 2020. The bursary covers the ticket price, which includes food, activities, entertainment and camping space. And we can even lend a tent if needed!

‘The bursary will help leaders bring all their girls without worrying about having one who can’t afford it,’ says Leader Lucy Mears, who helped develop the scheme. ‘That’s why we’ve made the criteria very broad.’

Applications will be looked at on a case-by-case basis, considering not only postcode data on areas of deprivation, but family circumstances such as ill health, caring responsibilities or unemployment, because so many different issues affect families’ ability to afford an event.

Twisted Tech

As for Twisted Tech, this will be packed with exciting activities on everything from climate change to space exploration and even sound engineering in the arts, revealing just how broad STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) can be. Plus, an ever-growing range of Girlguiding partners, such as Google, Rolls Royce, DePuy Synthes and Amey, will be there to share their enthusiasm and inspire the next generation of women in STEM.

But the bursary scheme isn’t a one-off. ‘After Twisted Tech, we’ll be rolling out the bursaries, first to next year’s Wellies and Wristbands, and then to other events in the future,’ says Lucy. ‘So please apply! We want to help as many girls as possible to reap the benefits of Girlguiding events.’

Inspiring the next generation of women in STEM