Scots university launches crowdfunded scholarship

SCOTLAND’S FIRST crowdfunded scholarship programme has been launched by the University of the Highlands and Islands.

The new scholarship fund, the university said, would help address any barriers that exist and help talented individuals gain access to courses. Picture: Jane Barlow

The practice of crowdfunding has grown in recent years and is where a venture gets off the ground by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people or organisations, typically via social media on the Internet:

The university is appealing to companies and individuals across the region, and beyond, to help it reach an initial goal of £100,000.

Support will be matched to students who need help in realising their potential through further and higher education.

Clive Mulholland, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, said: “The Scholarship Fund is a great opportunity for businesses to connect to the university and invest in future talent.

“This is a unique chance for companies of all sizes and sectors to come together and be part of something new and different in the region – their support will have a transformational impact on the lives of many students, creating a ripple effect into the local economy in coming years.”

He added that the university was keen to encourage more young people to remain in education, realise their goals, explore new opportunities and help them prepare for employment.

The new scholarship fund, he said, would help address any barriers that exist and support talented individuals in the region.

The Scholarship Fund will support a wide range of students across the Highlands and Islands with opportunities in a broad range of sectors including energy, engineering and the environment, health and wellbeing, archaeology, history, music and culture as well as IT, business, leisure and tourism, and many more.

As the only university based in the Highlands and Islands delivering both college and university level education, the principal said UHI aims to significantly contribute to the economy of the area as well as improve the cultural, health and social wellbeing of the community.

Businesses and individuals can invest in their local university and in talent to help transform lives and businesses through the UHI Scholarship Fund.

UHI is a partnership of 13 independent colleges and research institutions.