OU awarded £500,000 to support disabled veterans

Posted on 22 November 2017 • University news

The OU has been awarded £500,000 to support scholarships for disabled veterans, empowering former Armed Forces personnel to enhance their skills and fulfil their potential.

Awarded by the UK Government, the contribution of £500,000 from the LIBOR Fund will support The Open University Disabled Veterans Fund. This will help tap a huge pool of talent by supporting former service personnel to maximise their education, knowledge and skills.

The OU, which has a long experience in working with disabled students – many of whom would find it difficult to attend a traditional face-to-face university – aims to raise an initial sum of £2.5 million from private and public donors to launch its Disabled Veterans Fund. Once launched, it is hoped the scheme can be expanded to include other veterans and their families.

The LIBOR Fund was established from the proceeds of fines issued in the banking sector. The fund supports Armed Forces and Emergency Services causes and charities.

“Making a real difference to the lives of service personnel”

Director of Development at The Open University, Jhumar Johnson, said:

“This is fantastic news. It will help The Open University to make a real difference to the lives of service personnel who have been disabled in the course of, or as the result of, their service of our country.”

Removing barriers and fulfilling potential

Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, Peter Horrocks, said:

This exciting scheme aims to help some of the people who have made deep personal sacrifices in the service of their country. We hope education can help transform their lives as it has many thousands of others.

The University is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and currently has around 2,000 students who are active or former service personnel. The initial phase of fundraising will provide 100 scholarships and the necessary academic support.

To donate online visit www.open.ac.uk/donatenow, to donate by phone call 01908 655 044 between 0900 and 1700. More information at giving.open.ac.uk.