STUDENTS from Keighley College are being given the chance to take part in a fully-funded American summer camp.

Placements for next year are being offered to selected students through the Turing Scheme, a UK Government programme for overseas study and work.

As part of Camp America, participants will spend nine weeks working in a traditional US camp setting.

Each student will be offered a mentor to help ensure they get the most from the experience. And afterwards, there will be an opportunity to become an ambassador for the scheme.

Janet Henniker-Talle, senior vice-president of Camp America, said: “We are delighted to able to offer these placements to students at Keighley College.

“Through this scheme we hope to attract young people who would not otherwise have considered the Camp America programme.

“We are passionate about what a summer at camp is able to offer and we see first-hand the life-changing impact it can have for many. From creating a network of friends around the world to developing employability skills, camp is a unique place – and we want to help as many young people as we can to experience it.”

College principal Steve Kelly participated in the programme himself for 15 years, from 1989, so has first-hand experience of the benefits.

He said: “Participating in the Camp America programme is a truly life-changing and affirming opportunity.

“It will not only give our students the chance to use the skills they have learned while at college, but also gain invaluable work experience in another country with people from all around the world.

“Working with others, adapting to new situations and developing leadership skills are core competencies that working on a summer camp can offer.

“I am proud that Keighley College is helping to pioneer this scheme and offer this opportunity to students.”

The Turing Scheme was named in honour of the British computing engineer, Alan Turing, who himself studied abroad – at Princeton University in New Jersey.

For further information about the scheme and placements, interested students should speak to their college.

More details can also be found at campamerica.co.uk/costs/bursaries.