The Raheem Sterling Foundation has partnered with University of Manchester and King’s College London to provide 14 scholarships to students of Black African and Caribbean heritage, starting in the 2023/24 academic year.

The aim of the scholarship is to support equal access to higher education and to close the degree attainment gap for Black students. Research from the 2021/22 school year showed that less than 5% of all UK students starting undergraduate degrees at Russell Group Universities were Black.

Sterling commented on the partnership, saying: “I hope this initiative will be a real game changer over the next few years and I am delighted to be working with two of the finest universities in the world.

"I wish the recipients of our funding all the very best and look forward to meeting everyone on campus in Manchester and London later this year.”

Four scholarships – two at each university – will be given to two students starting their degree programs in 2023. Over the next three years, there will be more opportunities for young people to apply.

The foundation is dedicated to creating educational and employment opportunities for young people from underrepresented backgrounds, with this partnership in particular opening doors for future students to pursue their dreams in a way that may not have been possible otherwise.

To learn more about the scholarships, eligibility criteria, and the application process, visit the King’s College London and University of Manchester websites.