TWO Dunfermline students are helping to spread the news about a college scholarship after returning from a trip of a lifetime to New York.

Levi Kaye and Julia Sheriffs have returned to Fife College after spending the summer studying and volunteering in America as one of the collage's scholarship programmes.

While out there, Levi completed fashion and media courses with the prestigious Pratt Institute and the world-famous New York University (NYU) while Julia completed three events courses with NYU while volunteering at Riverside Park in Manhattan with their events team.

The amazing opportunity to study and gain skills in the USA was thanks to the annual George Lauder Bursary, part of Fife College’s successful scholarship programme, which is now on the lookout for two more lucky students to follow in Levi and Julia’s footsteps in summer 2024.

Dunfermline Press:

The awards are funded by the family of George Lauder and the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York, which fully supported both students’ 11-week trips including food, travel, accommodation and course fees.

William Garner, George Lauder’s Great-Great Grandson, played a pivotal role in planning and arranging the details for both students’ visits, ensuring they had the most enjoyable and memorable time while maximising every opportunity of their stay.

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Both students were awarded the scholarship opportunity in January this year after completing an application and interview process and flew out to New York at the beginning of June.

Levi said the trip had changed his life.

"It opened my eyes to new opportunities and furthered my knowledge of the fashion industry," he said. "I really enjoyed visiting designer studios, museums and exhibits as part of my course.

"Studying Intensive Fashion Design at the Pratt Institute and photo-journalism at NYU, I was afforded the opportunity to gain loads of new skills, meet new people, and form lasting bonds both professionally and personally.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of Fife College, the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York and William Garner and his family. I’m incredibly grateful and excited to put my learnings in New York to good use at university.”

Julia added: “During my time in New York, I not only deepened my understanding of the events industry that I aspire to work in, but I also acquired the confidence needed to pursue my dream career.

“I really enjoyed volunteering at Riverside Park, from salsa nights on the pier to movie nights, the events I volunteered at and the unique New Yorker lifestyle all contributed to a profoundly enriching experience.

"This scholarship wasn’t just a trip; it has fundamentally transformed my life. Words alone cannot express the depth of my appreciation for those who made this extraordinary opportunity possible. I will forever cherish their support and generosity.”

Applications are now open for next year's trip which is open to students studying HND level and above as well as former students who have left us the college in the last four years.