NTUC commits $2.5 million to empower Singapore’s youth in education and welfare

NTUC has announced a $2.5 million grant commitment to support youth and young school-going children in their education and welfare.

This announcement, made during the preview of the NTUC x NDP Bay Celebrations on 3 August 2024, marks a continuation of NTUC’s ongoing efforts to engage and support Singaporean youths in their work-life aspirations following the launch of the NTUC Youth Taskforce in 2022.

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating: “NTUC cares for our youths, which is why we will be alongside them in times of need because #EveryYouthMatters!”

Alongside these grants, NTUC also launched the Care-It-Forward (CIF) campaign to raise awareness of its initiatives to help workers.

The campaign kicked off at the Bay Celebrations, with attendees participating in various activities to support NTUC’s youth-focused initiatives.

Empowering youth through education

NTUC will distribute the $2.5 million commitment across several programmes:

NTUC Starter Awards: A new bond-free scholarship programme for students in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). Partner IHLs for 2024 include the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Temasek Polytechnic (TP), and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). The awards offer up to $6,000 for ITE students, $9,000 for polytechnic students, and $16,000 for university students. Applications for the NTUC Starter Awards will open from 2 to 30 September 2024. For more information, click here.

NTUC Care Fund (Education Awards): Launched in July 2024, this fund aims to motivate lower-income union members’ school-going children to excel in their studies. Applications are open from 24 July to 27 August 2024 for students in IHLs. For students in primary, secondary, junior college, Millenia Institute, and special education levels, applications will open in early August 2024, with more details to be shared later. For more information, click here.

NTUC Care Fund (Youth Enable): This fund provides support to youths facing adversity due to loss of income, chronic medical conditions, total/partial and permanent disability, or death of their parents who are NTUC members. It offers an annual stipend for affected youth in full-time studies until they complete their first tertiary certificate or up to four years. For more information, click here.

Young NTUC Executive Secretary and NTUC Bay Celebrations Organising Committee Co-Chairperson Natasha Choy highlighted the importance of these efforts.

She said: “Through the NTUC Starter Awards, we hope to empower [youths] to pursue their aspiration and enable them to reach their fullest potential.”

Celebrating youth at the Bay Celebrations

The NTUC x NDP Bay Celebrations, themed ‘Celebrate SG Youth’, showcased NTUC’s commitment to youth empowerment.

About 7,500 people attended the preview event, which featured performances by rising stars like Iman Fandi, Yung Raja, and Shye, and interactive installations that engaged and inspired young attendees.

Key highlights included the Ties That Bind installation and the In a Heartbeat segment, which combined to create a powerful visual and emotional experience.

By bringing together diverse young talents and providing platforms for expression and unity, the event embodied NTUC’s belief in the potential of Singapore’s youth and its dedication to supporting their journey towards a successful future.

Looking ahead, NTUC will progressively roll out the CIF campaign in the upcoming months to target other worker segments.

Interested applicants for the NTUC Starter Awards will receive more information from their IHLs. You can also visit http://bit.ly/ntucstarterawards24.