Grant will help students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Birmingham Metropolitan College has been awarded a £20,000 bursary from the National Express Foundation to assist students across Birmingham, the Black Country and Kidderminster over the next two years.

The National Express Foundation, set up to help disadvantaged young people, is providing £100,000 this year to assist young progress to higher education or enjoy new activities, equipment and training at community groups across the region. Young people living in the West Midlands or South Essex and East London benefit from the Foundation.

James Donnan from the National Express Foundation, said: “The Foundation seeks to help young people from challenging backgrounds to succeed in life. We know a modest amount of financial help can make a huge difference to bursary recipients, enabling them to progress their studies and further their ambitions.”

Andrew Cleaves, Principal at Birmingham Metropolitan College, said: “I’m delighted that Birmingham Metropolitan College has been successful in its bid for the Student Bursaries Programme. Any additional financial support for students whilst studying is a bonus and will help students to realise their goals as well as assisting families who are endeavouring to support them. It’s wonderful to see one of our major, local employers contributing assistance in this way and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with the Foundation to deliver a successful programme.”

The National Express Foundation was launched in May 2012 and is a registered charity. The Bursary Programme has already benefited students across the West Midlands with a variety of assistance including help with travel costs, books and specialised clothing and uniforms.