New figures reveal the number of students receiving EMA in Cumbria each year has more than doubled since 2004, giving thousands of extra students the chance to stay on at college and gain qualifications.
EMA, which was piloted in 1999 and launched across England in 2004, is a grant of up to £30 a week to help teenagers who have left compulsory education with the costs of learning. The grant does not affect your family's benefits and students who receive EMA can still have a part-time job.
Emer Clarke, the Learning and Skills Council Area Director for Cumbria, said: "EMA is making a real difference to the lives of some of the most disadvantaged young people and is helping to create a level playing field for the skilled employees of tomorrow right here in Cumbria.
"Staying on in learning at 16 makes an overwhelming difference to the futures of young people. Those who leave learning at 16 or earlier and without the minimum set of qualifications (at least five A*-C GCSEs or the vocational equivalent) will be more likely to face a life of unemployment and social exclusion. EMA is making significant contribution combating this."
Recent evidence shows Education Maintenance Allowances (EMA) have succeeded nationally in increasing the number of young people staying on in learning at 16 and the number of learners achieving qualifications at 19.
Jim Knight, Minister of State for Schools and Learners, said: "EMA is enabling young people across England to continue learning after their GCSEs. It is hugely encouraging to see the positive impact EMA has already had, providing more young people with the chance to stay on in education and training so that they have more opportunity of getting the job they want in future."
