I was juggling full-time college and a full-time job

At SVP we understand that lack of equitable access to Education is a fundamental driver of the cycle of poverty. To combat this problem SVP offers an Education and Training Bursary Fund open to people attending vocational training courses and third level institutions. The SVP Bursary helps to cover costs not covered by state support, things like rent, transport, books, laptops, and food. In 2023, SVP supported 1,015 people achieve their educational goals through the Bursary Programme.

Eoin from Sligo, explains in his own words the difference the SVP Education and Training Bursary has made to him, “I first came across the SVP educational fund during my third year in college. Back then, I was juggling full-time college and a full-time job. I would leave my accommodation at 6:30 am, in class from 8 am to 5 pm studying engineering, then head straight to work from 6 pm to midnight, Monday to Friday.

On Saturdays, I’d take an early shift from 7 am to 4 pm, leaving Sunday as my only day to catch up on college work. It was tough, really tough—but I was determined to make my dream a reality.

Because of my family situation, I wasn’t eligible for the SUSI grant, so I had to figure out how to do it myself. I ended up taking out three loans just to get through college, and even though it felt impossible at times, I somehow made it work. I tried everything I could to get the SUSI grant, but the system didn’t seem to listen—my earnings were way below the threshold, but it still wasn’t enough.

By third year, though, things took a turn. The banks refused to lend me any more money. They were nervous about giving more loans to a student. I even talked to an underwriter, but no luck. It felt like everything I had worked for was slipping away. I reached out to government ministers, TDs, and even a commissioner of oaths, but every door I knocked on gave me the same answer: “Sorry, there’s nothing we can do.”

Honestly, life was pretty dark at that point. But then, SVP stepped in and gave me hope. Their educational fund helped me continue my studies and finish my engineering degree, which has not only changed my life but also my family’s. Since then, I’ve been incredibly lucky - I graduated with my degree, worked on some of the biggest pharmaceutical and data center projects in Europe, and recently, I have moved to the United States where I was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to study for my master’s at the University of Notre Dame - one of the country’s most prestigious universities.

I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished, and I know how much hard work went into getting here. But none of it would’ve been possible without SVP stepping in when hard work alone just wasn’t enough. I’ll always be grateful to them and to the amazing people who make that fund possible. It’s amazing what can happen when someone gives you a chance.”

If your company is interested in supporting students like Eoin reach their potential, please reach out to the Corporate Fundraising Manager at companies@svp.ie for more information.