Scores of disadvantaged students to benefit from free Open University study worth £2.2m

Posted on 20 March 2024 • Around the OU, University news

The Open University continues to offer scholarships to people who face barriers to accessing Higher Education via a new package of funding this year worth £2.2 million.

The scholarships are aimed at disabled veterans, carers, people seeking refuge in the UK, Black students and young people who have experienced care.

The generosity of donors will support 88 places being made available for the 2024/25 academic year so people can apply who might otherwise never have the chance.

Since 2018, the OU has awarded 569 scholarships and other financial assistance to students, worth more than £12 million, through its Open Futures Fund, thanks to OU alumni, supporters, and friends.

High demand

Demand for these scholarship places continues to remain high. Last year, there were more than three applicants for each place available. Further support from donors is vital to help meet this unmet demand and ensure many more people get the chance to access life-changing educational opportunities.

Jhumar Johnson, Chief of Staff to the Vice-Chancellor at The Open University, said: “We are delighted that we can offer these life-changing scholarships. Since their launch in 2018, we have seen several recipients graduate and move onto greater things.

“Many tell us how their lives, and the lives of their families, have been transformed through education, leading to greater employment opportunities and that their confidence is soaring.

“Others, who recently started their study journey, tell us how their scholarships have given them renewed hope that their lives will change for the better and how they dare to dream bigger now. If only we could help everyone who applies.”

“It’s been life-saving and life-changing”

Steven Wilson is a previous beneficiary. The former Private in the 1^st Battalion Parachute Regiment (1 Para) was discharged from the Army after becoming badly injured when he was involved in an explosion.

He struggled to come to terms with the abrupt end to his service career and life outside the Army, ending up eventually living on the streets.

He knew his life wasn’t heading in the right direction but says the turning point was retraining: “I’ve got to be honest, before being awarded my OU scholarship, my life could have gone two ways,” he said.

“In fact, I dread to think what might have happened and what might have become of me had I not been given my chance. The OU opened up a new direction for me. It’s been life-saving and life-changing.”

Following his scholarship to study with The Open University he has achieved a Diploma in Adult Health and Social Care and is now a support worker providing care for elderly people.

Why I donate to the scholarships fund

Joan Popovic, Open University graduate and donor, described her motivation in giving to the Open Futures Scholarship fund: “Several years have passed since obtaining my degrees, but the feeling of pride in my achievement and the subsequent impact on my confidence and career advancement remains with me to this day.

“This is why I donate to the [Open Futures] Scholarship fund – to give others the same life-changing opportunities.”

Applications for the Open Futures Scholarships are now open. Please visit the links below to find out the closing dates:

• The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund is offering 50 places in 2024/25 giving access to Open University education and specialist disability and careers support.
• The Black Students’ Support Fund offers the opportunity for 10 students, who identify as Black, to study at undergraduate level in 2024/25.
• The Carers’ Scholarships are for unpaid carers who face disadvantages that may prevent them from pursuing the education that they need. In 2024/25, the OU is offering up to 10 scholarships to carers, including a minimum of three reserved for young carers aged 25 and under.
• The Sanctuary Scholarships offers 12 places in 2024/2025, alongside a study starter pack and access to careers and employability services. They are open to people seeking refuge in the UK and will help them to rebuild their lives by studying and gaining skills to forge new careers.
• The Care-Experienced Scholarship, supported by John Lewis Partnership is about to begin its second year offering six undergraduate scholarships to young people aged 25 and under, who have spent time in care.

For information on how to become a donor visit https://giving.open.ac.uk/openfutures