National-Level Elite Support

General Principle

A candidate who represents their country in sport, co-curricular activity, or academic competition has demonstrated exceptional ability and commitment. WEQSC provides such candidates with a comprehensive support package that goes well beyond Bonus Marks.

The Elite Support Tier comprises devices, connectivity, transportation, a monthly stipend, and additional support on request.

Eligibility

A candidate is eligible for the Elite Support Tier where the candidate represents their country in one or more of the following:

• International Sport — Competition at the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, or comparable international competition, having been selected through the competent national authority;
• National Sport Leading to International Selection — Representation at a national-level sports competition where selection to an international event is at stake, subject to confirmation by the competent national sports authority;
• National Academic Competition — Representation in a nationally recognised academic competition or olympiad, including but not limited to science olympiad, mathematics olympiad, or equivalent academic competition organised by a recognised national body.

The Support Package

The Elite Support Tier comprises the following components:

• Technology and Device Provision — Laptop, tablet, or other device as determined by WEQSC;
• Connectivity and Internet Access — Prepaid data plan or internet card, sufficient for study, training, and communication needs;
• Transportation Support — Electric scooter or equivalent low-cost personal transport, where circumstances warrant;
• A Monthly Stipend — As determined by the Secretariat in accordance with the official bylaws;
• Additional Support on Request — At the discretion of WEQSC.

The specific composition of the package, and the specific amounts of the stipend, are set out in the Secretariat's official bylaws and are notified to accredited schools through the Institution Management Portal.

Technology and Devices

A recipient is entitled to receive a package of technology devices. Devices provided under this section become the property of the candidate. They are not the property of the school and are not returned to WEQSC.

Where a device is lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged through no fault of the candidate, the candidate may apply for a replacement. Replacement is at the discretion of WEQSC, having regard to the circumstances.

Connectivity and Internet Access

A recipient is entitled to a connectivity support package, ordinarily provided as a prepaid data plan or an internet card. The connectivity support remains in effect until the candidate completes their final examination year, or until the candidate ceases to be enrolled in an accredited class, whichever is earlier.

Transportation Support

Where the circumstances of the candidate warrant, a recipient is entitled to transportation support, ordinarily provided in the form of an electric scooter or equivalent low-cost personal transport.

The provision of transportation support is determined by WEQSC, having regard to:

• The distance between the residence of the candidate and the school or training facility;
• The availability of alternative transport;
• The safety of the route;
• Any legal restriction in the jurisdiction on the operation of the proposed vehicle by a person of the age of the candidate.

Monthly Stipend

A recipient is entitled to a monthly stipend, paid during the academic session. The stipend is paid directly to the candidate, or, where the candidate is a minor, to a designated parent or guardian account.

The maximum duration of stipend support is four years.

Additional Support on Request

A recipient may request additional support beyond the components set out above. Additional support may include:

• Coaching sessions with expert trainers or specialist instructors;
• Travel support to national or international competitions;
• Medical, physiotherapy, or sports-science support;
• Specialised equipment for the activity of the candidate;
• Mental performance coaching or psychological support;
• Academic tutoring where the activity of the candidate interferes with classroom study;
• Any other support that WEQSC considers, in its discretion, to be beneficial to the development of the candidate.

Coordination with Other Support

A recipient who is a girl student receives the girl-child support under the Girl-Child Universal Support page in addition to the Elite Support Tier. The two programmes serve different purposes and are not offset against each other.

A recipient who is a scholarship recipient receives the Elite Support Tier in addition to the scholarship. The two are not offset against each other.

Confidentiality

The fact that a candidate is a recipient of the Elite Support Tier may be disclosed by the candidate, the parent, or the school, but is not required to be disclosed. The school must not publicly identify any candidate as a recipient without the written consent of the candidate or the parent.

Breach — Consequences

A breach of any provision of this page is subject to the audit regime and, where applicable, to the suspension and termination regime set out in the Accountability section of this portal.

Conclusion

The National-Level Elite Support programme is an expression of the commitment of WEQSC to the development of exceptional talent. All elite support procedures not expressly set out in this portal must follow the Secretariat's official bylaws.