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Stuart Senior of Gleeds presented a cheque for £25,000 to The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ to help more young people reach their academic potential.
The money was raised at a black tie dinner hosted by consultancy firm Gleeds at which five-time gold medallist, Sir Steve Redgrave was guest of honour.
The event was organised to raise money for the , which helps disadvantaged young people reach their academic potential through a variety of programmes.
Kate Robertson, Director of at The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ said: “It is fantastic that Sir Steve Redgrave and Gleeds are supporting the vital work we do through ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Potential. By working in partnership with organisations such as Gleeds, we are able to support young people in the local communities and give them the opportunity to reach their academic potential.”
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Potential represents a major investment in the future of primary and secondary-age school pupils and a multimillion pound commitment to help break down the barriers to higher education.
The cheque was presented to Penelope Griffin, Head of Widening Participation at The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, in the presence of both summer school student ambassadors and attendees. The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Potential summer school, for students in the Midlands, provide participants with a five-day residential experience of the University Park Campus and a range of subject streams from which to choose.
This is just one of the many initiatives taken by ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Potential. Their after school support and focus programme has introduced two new IntoUniversity Centres in local communities which provide vital after-school academic support sessions for years two to 13, as well as theme-based study days for partner schools.
The University also engages with both primary schools at which they support pupils’ attainment and secondary schools and colleges. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Potential also funds teacher fellowships which allow local secondary and post-16 teachers to access funds and support to lead projects designed to improve lives in their communities.
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Potential has been made possible by a significant £2.1m donation from the David Ross Foundation, founded by David Ross, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ law alumnus and co-founder of Carphone Warehouse. The Foundation has a breadth of experience in working with schools and setting up initiatives that aim to increase young people’s aspirations. The Foundation’s donation enhances the University’s own substantial financial commitment.
Stuart Senior, Main Board Director for Gleeds said: “Both Gleeds and our ambassador, Sir Steve Redgrave, are delighted to be able to offer support for this impressive and worthwhile initiative. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Potential encourages young people across the city to realise their true potential, regardless of their background and therefore plays a vital role in nurturing the talent of tomorrow. We are proud to play a part in ensuring that this fantastic campaign can continue to develop.”
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Notes to editors: The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½has 42,000 students at award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, and . It was ‘one of the first to embrace a truly international approach to higher education’, according to the Sunday Times University Guide 2013. It is also one of the most popular universities among , one of the , and winner of the for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development’. It is ranked in the UK's Top 10 and the World's Top 75 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong and the QS World Rankings.
More than 90 per cent of research at The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is of international quality, according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise. The University aims to be recognised around the world for its signature contributions, especially in global food security, energy & sustainability, and health. The University won a for Higher and Further Education for its research into global food security.
, its biggest ever fundraising campaign, will deliver the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. More news…