Social housing residents awarded university scholarships
Eight social housing residents have been selected from more than 300 applicants as the first recipients of a major scholarship programme designed to remove barriers to higher education and open up career opportunities.
The Social Housing Scholarships Programme attracted 316 applications in its first year, with more than 20 candidates progressing to interview before the final eight were selected through a competitive assessment and partner review process.
The first scholars will take up places at universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Loughborough University, London School of Economics, Bristol and Kingston.
Tovia Awoniya, a Clarion resident, who will study Real Estate Management at Kingston University, said:
“Through my studies, I hope to build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed for a successful career in Real Estate. The Social Housing Scholarships Programme would give me valuable opportunities to learn from professionals, develop my network and gain experience beyond university. Having experienced housing instability myself, I understand how much a secure home can affect people’s lives. Being able to use my skills to help people make informed property decisions, while contributing to stronger homes and communities, is what excites me about Real Estate. I want my career to have a purpose beyond myself.”
Their studies reflect both the breadth of their ambitions and the wide range of expertise needed across housing and related sectors. Courses in Real Estate Management, Civil Engineering and Land Economy connect directly to how homes and places are planned, built and managed, while Politics, Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Management, and Economics and Finance provide pathways into policy, business, law and investment.
The scholars hope to use these opportunities to help shape better public policy, improve social mobility, develop safer and more sustainable homes, strengthen residents’ experiences and build careers across property, engineering, finance and law.
Each scholar will receive £18,000 over three years to help with living costs and study materials. Payments will be spread across the academic year, with larger instalments at the beginning of each term when costs are typically highest.
“The level of interest in the programme shows how much talent and ambition exists within social housing communities, but also the need for practical support to help people fulfil their potential.
“Our first scholars have shown remarkable determination and have exciting ambitions spanning policy, engineering, property, finance and more. We are proud to support them as they begin their university journeys and develop the skills, experience and connections that will help them build successful careers.
“This programme also demonstrates what housing associations and our partners can achieve by working together. By combining financial support with mentoring and meaningful professional experience, we can help remove barriers and create opportunities that will have a lasting impact.”
Jo Hannan, Head of the Fusion21 Foundation, said:
“Financial pressures can make it harder for students to make the most of university and all the opportunities that come with it. This programme offers support where it can really make a difference - helping with living and study costs, while also giving students access to mentoring, work experience and professional development.
“Supporting people with financial challenges and helping them develop skills for the future are important parts of the Fusion21 Foundation’s work. It’s great to see that support going directly to eight talented scholars as they start the next chapter of their lives.”
The support goes beyond funding. Scholars will also benefit from mentoring, personal and professional development, networking, volunteering and work experience, followed by a paid internship planned for the end of their second year.
The programme is coordinated by Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, and managed by Blackbullion. It is delivered in partnership with Hyde, L&Q, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, Peabody, Places for People and Riverside, with match funding from the Fusion21 Foundation.
Vivi Friedgut, Founder and CEO at Blackbullion, said:
“Every student should have every opportunity to succeed, but we know a student's socioeconomic background can too often play a disproportionate role. That's why we're so proud to be part of this with Clarion who are not just offering generous scholarships, but real internship opportunities alongside mentoring. This is what levelling the playing field actually looks like, and it's the kind of thing that changes what's possible.”
Each scholar is matched with a participating housing association, taking account of their location, degree and career interests. After being given time to settle into university, they will begin providing mentoring and wider development support.
A further seven scholarships will be awarded in 2027, taking the total number of scholars supported through the programme to 15.
To find out more about the Social Housing Scholarships Programme, visit www.myclarionhousing.com/scholarships.