Record applications for entrepreneurs scheme

Record numbers of budding young entrepreneurs have applied for places on the Saltire Foundation’s undergraduate internship programme.

The scholarship scheme, which offers students the chance to experience life in some of the world’s top companies, has attracted nearly 100 people, a rise of more than 30 per cent on a year earlier.

Sandy Kennedy, chief executive of the Saltire Foundation, said: “These numbers are a clear indication of the increasing value that is being placed on the Foundation’s scholarship programme and the recognition within the business community of its intrinsic worth.

“We have been very impressed so far by the quality of the candidates who are coming forward. I am confident of another very fulfilling year.”

The scholarship scheme attracted 34 undergraduates in 2009, rising to 68 in 2011.

Meanwhile, applications are still being invited for the Foundation’s fellowship programme, which is aimed at “talented and hard-working mid–level professionals”, offering “an innovative and exciting way to fast-track their careers”.

An intensive study period at Babson College in Boston – one of the world’s top-ranked business schools – is followed by three months of international and Scotland-based placements.

The fellowship programme is a partnership between the Saltire Foundation and the US-UK Fulbright Commission, which was created in 1948 by US senator William Fulbright. There are two routes to becoming a fellow – through open enrolment and via employer sponsorship.