An OU-wide appeal for donations to help disadvantaged or under-confident students access higher education has received £21,000 in donations from members of Open University staff and the volunteer community.
The OU's Access to Success Fund will provide new opportunities for those who wish to study at higher education level, but who lack the confidence to commit to a full-time course and/or long-term student loan. The fund will provide financial support for those taking their very first steps with the OU - through Openings courses - many of whom will be from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In addition to the £21,000, a donation of £100,000 towards the project was granted by the Open University Students Educational Trust (OUSET) and further appeals will be launched in the New Year.
Matthew Gorman, Head of Fundraising at The Open University, said: “The OU has always prided itself on its commitment to widening participation and historically we have found that our Openings modules (link) are a great way for students who, for various reasons may not be able to learn in a traditional method, to take their first steps into higher education.
'Give them the confidence to go on...'
“In previous years Government have provided resource for Openings students, but under the new funding system, students in England wishing to study for an Openings course will not be eligible to apply for a Government loan.
“Over the past few months, the OU has been working hard to develop an Access to Success programme which will address the financial barrier that Openings students now face.
“By offering students who are unable to afford the cost of their fees a heavily subsidised Openings course - which will cost just £25 - we are confident that we will be able to engage them with higher education and give them the confidence to go on and study for a full degree,” he added.
The Access to Success Fund will be launched more widely in the New Year, however, donations are welcome at any time by visiting www.open.ac.uk/giving
