Nia, a student at the college in Nantgarw, Rhondda Cynon Taf, said getting the £80 payments every fortnight removed the stress of worrying about money “because I know I’m able to come in with the stuff I need”.
“It does allow me to come to college with essentials that I need such as writing pens, notebooks… and revision resources,” she added.
Because no-one at home is in work, the EMA sometimes helps out with food, she said.
Nia added: “It does encourage me to keep coming to college so I can help out with the household and buy stuff that’s needed, such as bread.”
Roxy, 16, also says the grant helps lift the “financial burden” at home in Trealaw in the Rhondda, where she lives with her aunt, uncle and twin brother.
The allowance is paid directly to her bank account and she says feels “empowered” by it.
“I spend it on food for college and studying materials,” she said.
“I think it gives you more independence and a chance to sort yourself out and dictate what you want and what you’re going to get for yourself.”
