The scholarship came into effect in autumn 2022 and applies to all students who choose and accept Malgomajskolan in Vilhelmina, Tärnaby Alpina gymnasium or Luspengymnasiet in Storuman. Swedish Radio was the first to tell about this. The opportunity to receive the scholarship is an attempt to get young people to stay in the resorts.
"Basically, it's about stimulating and motivating our students. From a holistic perspective, this is needed to facilitate family life and to be able to continue to offer a wide range of upper secondary schools, says Eva Flodin, head of the Southern Lapland Upper Secondary School Association.
The neighbouring municipality understands
In Lycksele municipality, more than 600 upper secondary school students from several different municipalities in Västerbotten attend, and there is an understanding that it is difficult to retain young people.
– I understand and respect that you try to keep young people and that it is good that there is a range of education. At the same time, it is important to have free upper secondary school choice, says Ellinor Häreskog, operations manager for the Education Centre in Lycksele.
The prerequisites for receiving the scholarship are that you accept an upper secondary education in Storuman or Vilhelmina and that you do not have an invalid absence – then the scholarship risks being withdrawn.
Applies only to first-year students
At present, only students in the first year have benefited from the grant, something that Flodin can understand upsets those who are now in their second and third year.
– I can absolutely understand that it can create debate, but this is a reform and from an overall perspective it benefits the municipalities, and you may find that difficult to see as a young person.
Hear what high school students at Malgomajskolan in Vilhelmina think about the scholarship in the clip.