Passing it on

The University’s Ignite Programme supports students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, and those with care experience, to overcome the many barriers they face at university and beyond. Through a combination of financial support, workshops, mentoring, and internships, Ignite empowers these students – giving them the skills they need for future success.

Ignite began with a single scholarship gifted by an alumnus in 2017. From this single gift, we built the Ignite Programme – officially launching in 2020, and supporting 31 undergraduate students. Ignite is 100 per cent funded by donations from our alumni and supporter community, and thanks to your generosity, we plan to welcome another 30 students onto Ignite in September – with ambitions to continue growing the programme each year.

Your response hasn’t just been financial though; alumni volunteers have given their time and expertise as mentors and speakers at Ignite workshops. And this additionally extends all the way to emotional support. That’s why, as part of our Ignite appeal earlier this year, we asked recipients to help our students – with messages.

Each pack contained a blank postcard, inviting our alumni and supporter community to write a few words of support. These were passed on to our students, showing that somebody is thinking of them during the difficult times. We received dozens and dozens of responses – each with kind and heartfelt words, inspirational messages, and a dash of nostalgia. Here’s just a small selection of what you had to say…

To find out more about Ignite – or to help support the programme – visit our giving platform.