GCU one of the first UK universities to sign up for STEM scholarships
Glasgow Caledonian University has been announced as one of the first UK universities to benefit from a STEM scholarship programme designed to help school and college leavers.
Twelve talented engineering students will receive funding as part of a £60,000 donation to the University from the Gupta Family Group Foundation.
The GFG Foundation was founded by Sanjeev and Nicola Gupta in 2017 to develop the skills needed to help young people progress in STEM industries, notably engineering, metals and renewable energy.
Sanjeev Gupta, Executive Chairman of the GFG Alliance group of companies, heads a global enterprise spanning steel and aluminium production, engineering, power generation, banking, property and commodities trading.
One of his companies, Liberty House, saved the Clydebridge and Dalzell steel plants in Lanarkshire from closure after buying them from Tata Steel in 2016.
GCU joins the University of Cambridge as one of the first UK institutions to sign a formal partnership with the CFG Foundation.
GFG scholars will receive £1250 per annum throughout their studies, helping to alleviate any financial pressures and enabling them to focus on reaching their full potential.
The students will also have the opportunity to access support from a mentor employed by a GFG Alliance company to help guide their academic and career progression.
The relationship was established through Dr Douglas Dawson, Chief Executive of Liberty Industries Group, who is an honorary graduate and alumnus of GCU.
Tim Smith, Chief Operating Officer of GFG Foundation, said: "Today marks a real milestone for our scholarship programme.
"The fund is all about education, widening access and offering opportunities to school leavers and young people. We are delighted to agree this partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University and invest in the wider community.
"The scholarships offer a tremendous opportunity for young people to progress and build careers in STEM and GCU is an ideal partner."
Jillian Watt, Director GCU Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to be one of the first universities in the UK to be partnering with the GFG Foundation on their new Scholarship Programme. Their focus on helping young people to reach their full potential by boosting skills and employability is a commitment that we share as one the top Scottish universities for employability."
The scholarships will support students joining GCU from school or college onto the following undergraduate degree programmes which link directly to GFG’s core business activities: