A young Orkney woman will embark on a trip of a lifetime this summer as she heads to the world-famous Harvard University.
Andi Stannard departs from Glasgow today to travel the 3,030-mile journey to the prestigious campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts just north of Boston.
The 17-year-old said it was like “something out of a movie” to be heading to summer school at the institution.
The placement has been organised through Who Cares? Scotland, an initiative which allows young people in care to get the chance to experience student life at an Ivy League university.
Andi, who is currently in sixth year at Kirkwall Grammar, said: “Harvard is the kind of place you only see in movies, and at the minute all this seems like it’s happening to someone else.
“I have to keep reminding myself that it is happening to me.
“When I applied for the summer school, I never allowed myself to believe I would make it past the first hurdle. It just goes to show that no matter how small a chance you think you may have, it might just be the lucky break you deserve.”
Andi will be joined on the seven-week trip by Lauren Tenn-Mills, from Bo’ness.
Duncan Dunlop, chief executive of Who Cares? Scotland wished both girls well before their departure.
He said: “I’m positive that Andi and Lauren will thrive at Harvard, and take that experience with them as they continue their studies.
“But Andi and Lauren are amongst the exception. Current figures show that just 16% of care experienced young people leave school with a single Higher or a similar qualification.
“From 40 years of Who Cares? Scotland evidence, we know that care experienced people have always had high aspirations – and we need to ensure all aspects of the system are able to support their ambitions.”
The SQA and local councils work with Who Cares? Scotland to deliver the programme.
Dr Janet Brown, SQA chief executive, said: “Andi and Lauren, are about to head off on a fantastic adventure, and it is a real thrill to see them set out on their own.
“Their time at Harvard will help shape them and their outlook on life, and I’m sure their story will inspire others who I hope will realise that your background should not be a barrier to your ambitions.”