Queen’s announce £8m plan to secure pathways into education for future students
Queen’s University has announced an ambitious investment to secure the long-term future of its Pathway Bursary Fund, which supports students who traditionally may not see higher education as an option.
Announced by Queen’s Chancellor Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton at a London-based event focused on the impact of Widening Participation, the University has pledged £4 million in match funding, doubling donations to create an £8 million fund by 2028.
Speaking about the commitment, launched to mark the 180th anniversary of the University, Secretary Clinton said:
“For almost 200 years, Queen’s has provided learning, support and opportunities for thousands of people whose lives have been transformed by education and have gone on to shape the world.
“We remain committed to ensuring that many more students who may otherwise have missed out receive the support they need to succeed. The Pathway Opportunity Programme and the Pathway Bursary Fund exist to ensure that students, most able but least likely to access higher education, are given the opportunity and the support to do so.
“Since 2018, thanks to the generosity of Kilwaughter Minerals, the Kilwaughter Foundation and nearly 500 donors, the Pathway Bursary Fund has opened doors for hundreds of students by providing bursaries which ease the financial burden and allow students to focus on their studies. These bursaries are not just financial support – they reflect our investment in the talent, ambition and the future of young people.”
President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, Professor Sir Ian Greer said:
“The University is incredibly proud of our commitment to ensuring that our talented young people are not missing out on educational opportunities because of financial barriers. We have been inspired by the generosity of donors who have made this Fund a reality from its inception and those who have indicated their support in the future; and in order to ensure its continued success, we have agreed a bold vision to secure annual bursaries into the future through an endowed fund.
“We have made a commitment to match each £1 raised through philanthropy up to £4m until 2028. This is part of our long-term investment in widening participation and commitment to ensuring that Queen’s is reflective of the society within which it exists.
“I am delighted that this announcement has already attracted donations, with the Curran Family Foundation and several other members of the Foundation Board already coming together to commit the first £1.2m towards the match Fund, placing us well on our way towards our target.
“This the first step in securing the future of the Pathway Bursary Fund and, together, we can ensure that it continues to transform lives and open doors for students for generations to come.”
Media
Media enquiries to comms.office@qub.ac.uk