City of London gives Goldsmiths £320,000 to support Equity Awards

The City of London Corporation’s Education Board is awarding Goldsmiths £320,000 to support 35 Equity Awards for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic undergraduate students.

The Equity Awards combine bursaries for a three-year period with a programme of tailored pastoral and academic support. They were specifically designed to address the Awarding Gap: an issue seen across higher education in the UK, whereby Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students are less likely to receive a good degree than white students.

Funding from the City has been an important part of Goldsmiths' history since its foundation in 1891. Then, the Goldsmiths' Company City Livery Company provided backing for an institution which supported the education of local working-class men and women.

These Awards extend Goldsmiths’ long-standing commitment to widening participation and success in higher education. They also complement existing work around education and social mobility undertaken by the City Corporation, which has twice been named by social mobility charity Sutton Trust as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average. 

Caroline Haines, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Education Board, said:  

“We are committed to preparing young people to flourish in a rapidly changing world by providing access to exceptional education, cultural and creative learning, and the skills which link to the world of work.

“London needs a diverse and resilient future workforce, with job opportunities available to people of all backgrounds, so its businesses can compete globally and create lasting value for people across the UK.

“Our funding demonstrates the City Corporation’s commitment to higher education and our support for lifelong learning, especially to people who would not otherwise get the opportunity to study at undergraduate level.  

“We are therefore delighted to offer this funding to Goldsmiths.”

Professor Frances Corner OBE, Warden of Goldsmiths, said: 

“Forging partnerships with organisations like the City Corporation is so important to Goldsmiths. By working with partners who share our values we can make a difference in creating an equal society.

“Education makes a vital contribution to individual and collective wellbeing, and we know that this programme will play forward so many benefits. 

“This contribution will support our students to achieve their full potential and ensure that Goldsmiths can provide an inclusive environment and help overcome systemic inequalities which many continue to face today.”

 

More information about the Equity Awards is available here.