University of Leeds Partnership Aims to Break Down Barriers for Students
The University of Leeds has renewed its commitment to a partnership with Santander Universities that removes barriers to higher education, benefiting students, staff and the local community.
Since 2007 Santander Universities, a global programme set up by Banco Santander, has donated more than £2 million to support student success and progression among those from under-represented groups at Leeds.
Support includes:
- Internships with small and medium-sized enterprises and charities.
- Help with student business start-up costs.
- International educational experiences, from overseas volunteering to summer schools.
The University has now signed up to a further three-year partnership with Santander Universities. Representatives this week met Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President, to discuss the renewed strategy and meet student beneficiaries.
Our well-established successful partnership with Santander Universities enables students to receive business support and fantastic networking opportunities.”
This year, two students have been awarded a scholarship worth £10,000 each academic year for three years. They will also receive access to mentors, invitations to Santander events and a series of courses to help them make the most of this opportunity.
Abbie Plant, a Creative Writing and English Literature student and Santander Universities scholar, said: “I have been able to achieve unthinkable things with the support of the University of Leeds and the extra stability that has been invested in me by Santander Universities.
“It has allowed me to publish poetry in a long-standing publication, be a guest speaker for a literary podcast and have my work exhibited at the Leeds 2023 Year of Culture since starting my scholarship in March this year.”
Tanpreet Kharbanda, a business management student, had her internship funded by Santander Universities. She said: “My summer internship gave me the opportunity to take the first steps towards a career in marketing. It provided me with a collaborative and motivating environment to implement into practice all the theories I have learned at university.
“I am grateful to my colleagues at my internship for supporting me throughout my placement. It is because of their confidence in my abilities that I was able to lead on projects and develop key transferrable skills like problem solving, creativity and critical thinking.”
Students with Interim Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Hai Sui Yu and Director of Santander Universities UK, Matt Hutnell.
Building on the long-standing partnership with Santander Universities, the new agreement aims to support student success and progression for underrepresented groups.
Professor Yu said: “Our well-established successful partnership with Santander Universities enables students to receive business support and fantastic networking opportunities. The signing of the new partnership agreement continues this ethos alongside supporting student success and progression for underrepresented groups.
“The ongoing support has had a positive impact on many of our students and graduates, helping to enrich their experiences by developing employability and entrepreneurship skills, equipping them to be the changemakers of the future.”
Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities UK, said: “At Santander Universities we believe education is today’s solution to a better tomorrow. We’re proud to continue our partnership with University of Leeds and provide even more opportunities for students, staff and the local community to develop skills to build a brighter future and achieve their future potential.”
Santander Universities is currently offering a financial giveaway, open to all students at the University. There are ten £1,000 grants available to support with costs while at University.