The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) announced today a total commitment of $3.85 million in grants for 2024 under NTUC-U Care Fund to empower and support youth and young school-going children1 in their education and welfare at the NTUC Care Fund (Education Awards) Presentation Ceremony at NTUC Centre @ One Marina Boulevard. The event today was graced by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng as the guest-of-honour.
The commitment is a testament to NTUC’s continued support for youth in their career journeys, recognising that they are the future of our workforce and to enable them to reach their fullest potential. The $3.85 million in grants consists of the NTUC Care Fund (Education Awards) for both the tertiary and non-tertiary levels, NTUC Starter Awards, NTUC Care Fund (e-Vouchers) for school-going children2 and NTUC Care Fund (Youth Enable). This update includes the $2.5 million commitment that was announced earlier at the NTUC x NDP Bay celebrations on 3 August 20243 .
Speaking at the award ceremony, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said, “NTUC is committed to enhancing the well-being of our members and their children. We want to empower our youth to reach their fullest potential as they are the future of our workforce. This allocation of $3.85 million for various youth support initiatives, including the NTUC Care Fund (Education Awards) given out today, reflects our dedication to investing in a brighter future for our youth. We have rolled out various programmes and initiatives, supporting not only their academic needs but also career aspirations and growth. NTUC cares deeply for our youth and will continue to be alongside them every step of their journey.”
NTUC-U Care Fund Support for Education Awards
As part of NTUC-U Care Fund assistance programmes, NTUC has set aside $700,000 to benefit about 3,500 youth and school-going children who will be receiving the NTUC Care Fund (Education Awards). These awards will be presented to students from eligible Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), schools, and other approved educational institutions this year. The fund aims to motivate lower-income union members’ school-going children to excel in their studies. In addition to this amount, our affiliated unions and associations will also be providing funding for this programme to children of eligible members. The awards and scholarships range between $200 and $600.
In addition, each recipient of the NTUC Care Fund (Education Awards) will be given a complimentary 12-Month Singtel Prepaid Mobile Service, enabling students to access educational resources and pursue their learning without facing connectivity challenges. This is part of five-year partnership with Singtel to provide free connectivity to 6,000 students from lower-income families.
Other NTUC Care Fund Assistance Programmes for Youth
NTUC Starter Awards
A new scholarship grant announced on 3 August 2024, the NTUC Starter Awards, provides bond-free scholarships, including leadership development programmes, for Singaporean students. Applications will close on Sunday, 6 October 2024. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/ntucstarterawards24.
NTUC Care Fund (Youth Enable)
For youths facing adversity due to sudden and unforeseen circumstances, the NTUC Care Fund (Youth Enable) grant announced earlier on 25 May 2024 provides continual support for youths in IHLs to complete their studies. The grant aims to assist eligible full-time tertiary students in IHLs obtain their first tertiary certification. The student must complete the course within the institute to qualify for this support.
NTUC Care Fund (e-Vouchers)
The NTUC Care Fund (e-Vouchers) programme offers eligible members with assistance on daily essential and schools supplies for school-going children. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens that families face as they prepare for the school year, ensuring that children have the necessary materials and resources for their education. For more information on NTUC-U Care Fund assistance programmes, please visit https://bit.ly/ucareprogrammes
Apart from the NTUC-U Care Fund assistance programmes, NTUC aims to provide holistic support to youth development. Since the launch of the NTUC Youth Taskforce as part of the #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations in 2022, NTUC has provided various programmes and initiatives, addressing not only their academic needs but also career aspirations and personal growth. Key initiatives include the NTUC Starter membership tailored to address youth’s career and lifestyle needs.
[1] Primary and secondary school.
[2] Includes JC, Poly and ITE, Special Needs, except University students.
[3] https://www.ntuc.org.sg/uportal/news/ntuc-commits-support-youths-education-and-welfare/
