Students who are about to embark on an Open University study module this autumn have the opportunity to reap the rewards of a £500 grant towards their personal development.
The cash is the result of the OU’s partnership with Santander Universities, a global philanthropic organisation working in the higher education sector.
It is one of the longest-standing donors to The Open University and one that has provided financial support to students via the OU for the past ten years via projects supporting education, employability and entrepreneurship.
Students will be chosen at random
In the latest philanthropic move, Santander has provided a £20,000 pot of money so 40 OU students, chosen at random, will be able to benefit from what is being dubbed the Kickstart Grant.
It’s not means tested but for those wanting to apply they must do so via the Santander Becas website. The website features all scholarships, grants and student opportunities available through Santander Universities.
To apply for an opportunity to win the grant aid, students need to provide their name, address plus their student identification number. The closing date is 17 October.
Sarah Jones, President of the OU Students Association, said:
“While many OU students have a job and either work full or part-time, many might feel the pinch on their finances. The Kickstart Grants will give 40 lucky OU students £500 – a great start to the new academic year!”
Clare Davenport-Johnson, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the OU, said:
“We are delighted that Santander has chosen OU students to benefit from these grants. With 26% of OU undergraduates living in the 25% most deprived areas of the UK and 34% of our undergraduates being under 25, this programme will help remove barriers to personal development for our students.
“After the past challenging 18 months, support like this is a timely boost for someone who needs a new laptop to assist with their studies, for instance.”
Students can apply for a Kick Start grant here.
