Classically trained dancer Sharon Henry is looking forward to a new career and an exciting future thanks to The Open University (OU) Black Students’ Support Fund.
The scholarship is funded by the generosity of donors and to date 97 Black students have had their lives changed because of the free-study opportunity.
The fund sits at the heart of the OU’s mission to make higher education accessible to all, supporting the OU’s strategic goals for equity and growth, especially among under-represented communities.
Speaking about her motivation to apply, Sharon said: “I felt the time was right for me study and I was looking for courses to apply for when some information about the Black Students’ Support Fund popped up.
“I knew that the flexibility of OU study would suit me as I would still be able to study, work, live and manage all the things going on in my life at the moment.”
Sharon Henry
Sharon, who is studying a BA (Hons) in Arts and Humanities, was overjoyed to learn she had been awarded the scholarship as it has enabled her the freedom to carry on working without the worry of funding the degree herself.
“The fact that the fees are already paid for takes a lot of pressure off me financially, mentally and emotionally and I can work part-time whilst completing my studies.”
This year (2024/25) there are 10 places available for UK-based students on lower incomes, who identify as Black, to study at an undergraduate level.
Lurraine Jones, Director of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion said:
“Universities play a key role in intervening to remove the obstacles and ensure disadvantaged and under-represented students are supported to succeed at university and beyond.
“Education is for all, can be life transforming and is the path to social change. For our economy and society to thrive in the future, we need to draw on all the diverse talent available in the UK.
“This scholarship is an important initiative towards addressing societal inequities facing Black students as they strive to gain a degree.”
Joan Armatrading, former OU student, said:
“The Black Students’ Support Fund offers a chance for people to fulfil their dreams of furthering their education. For many this will be a life-changing opportunity, which will help unlock their talents, boost their skills and enhance their working lives.”
For Sharon, she is hoping that her new qualification will open doors to a complete career change, and she is very grateful to the donors who have made it possible.
“I am thankful to the supporters of the OU’s Black Students’ Support Fund. This has really helped me pursue my studies. If it wasn’t for programmes like this, it would be difficult to go back into higher education.
“A lot of people from African and West Indian backgrounds feel that specific opportunities are not readily available to them – education being a big one.
“This programme is beneficial in giving some people an opportunity to accomplish and further themselves. As a recipient of the funding, I would say it’s definitely needed.
“It’s not easy but I’m enjoying every moment of it. I didn’t think at this stage of my life I would be going back to study, but it’s a decision I’m so happy I made.”
To find out how to apply visit: Open Futures Scholarship for Black Students
Further support is needed to ensure that people like Sharon get the opportunity to access education that could transform their lives for the better.
For information on how to become a donor visit:
