Since 2015, Loughborough University London has offered a route to a postgraduate degree for unemployed and underemployed graduates from East London through its Inspiring Success programme.
Originally developed in conjunction with Loughborough University's Careers Network and the London Legacy Development Corporation, the programme is an initiative designed to provide employability support and funding for graduates from Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.
Over the past eight years, more than 100 local people have benefited from the scheme with 50 individuals being awarded 100% Scholarships to study for a postgraduate degree at Loughborough University London.
Professor Tony Edwards, Dean of Loughborough University London said: “The scholarship is a real win for us. We get a great group of talented students who make a tremendous contribution to our learning community at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and those that take part then invest the skills they gain back into East London. It is a true testament to the University's commitment to be part of the community here in east London.”
Joseph Lyons, Chief Executive Officer of West Ham United Foundation commented: “I am delighted to be uniting the West Ham family with Loughborough’s investment in local people. As one of the world’s best universities for sport, we know that Loughborough can help to nurture the talent we see in East London every day. We are keen to play our part and would encourage all those eligible to apply to do so. We are especially interested in supporting the care experienced community, as we know this group face significant challenges and is vastly underrepresented within higher education.”
By investing in the scheme, the West Ham United Foundation will offer routes for participants to gain experience within the foundation. This might take the form of short work experience opportunities, research collaborations and challenge-based projects.
Recruitment is underway for Loughborough’s 2023 cohort– please see our website for more details.