With applications now open for the second year, students have shared their experiences of their successful first year of study with the support of the Raheem Sterling Foundation scholarship programme, which will provide 14 students at King’s College London and the University of Manchester with financial support and mentorship over the next three years.
The scholarship is open to students from Black, African and Caribbean heritage from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds in Greater London and Greater Manchester, and aims to help close the attainment gap for Black British Students, increase social mobility, and support equal access to higher education.
Students from King’s College London and the University of Manchester have reflected on the past year and talked about the positive impact that the programme has had on their studies, by taking away financial worries, allowing them to focus fully on their studies and immerse themselves fully in college life. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and other essential educational costs, removing financial barriers that may hinder these students’ academic journeys.
Speaking anonymously, one King’s student said that being a recipient of the RSF scholarship has “helped me massively by taking away my financial burdens. Having the financial means for transport, clothes, food and other expenses is costly, especially in London. I had more time to focus on my studies, very useful in busy exam periods and I even had the time to resume hobbies like painting and reading which I hadn’t done for some time.”
This is also a view taken by another student who said the scholarship “has allowed me to focus on my studies wholeheartedly. It has given me a piece of mind which has allowed me to immerse myself into the university experience.”
When asked what they would say to anybody thinking of applying for the scholarship, one scholarship recipient replied: “Go for it! you have nothing to lose. Remember, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take and opportunities like this are rare.” A Manchester student agrees, saying ‘this scholarship opens doors you may not even know existed. It’s one of the best things that has ever happened to me!
’There are even developmental opportunities. A student undertaking Law at the University of Manchester reflected how, by removing the need to take up paid work, the scholarship has given him ‘the gift of time, allowing me to work on my professional development and craft a successful application to Rare Foundations: Law, a highly competitive programme for students interested in commercial law. The programme enabled me to spend a week in London at Herbert Smith Freehills, Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Mishcon De Reya and Hogan Lovells. I have also been able to shadow solicitors as part of Slaughter and May’s paid spring work experience programme, where I was able to expand my network.’
“The people from the foundation are so nice and keep in touch throughout your studies, nothing too invasive. There are few events that go on throughout the year that you get invited to which is a great chance to network and boost your CV. Everything is always done to your agreement and there is no obligation on your part.”
Raheem Sterling, who met some of the young people during their first term last year said, “I’m delighted to hear these inspiring stories from the students and to hear how the scholarship programme has helped to provide positive experiences during the first year of their course. Through education, we can drive real social mobility and create long lasting pillars that will last throughout their studies, into future careers and beyond. I look forward to welcoming the second group of students into the scholarship programme and following their progress over the next few years.”
Research shows in 2021/22, less than 5% of all UK students starting undergraduate degrees were Black. The aim of Raheem Sterling Foundation scholarships is to help close the attainment gap for Black British Students, increase social mobility, and support equal access to higher education.
Eligible applicants who have applied for entry in September 2024 can apply for a scholarship at King’s College London here by the 30th of May 2024:
Eligible applicants who have applied for entry in September 2024 can apply for a scholarship at the University of Manchester here by 30th of May 2024.
