Oxford University Receives £6.5 Million Donation to Support Disadvantaged Students in STEM

Oxford University has just announced a staggering secret donation of £6.5 million. This funding would dramatically expand educational opportunity for socio-economically disadvantaged children. This generous contribution will help us expand our popular Existing Buildings program. Since 2021, these programs have exclusively focused on students most in need of additional academic support. That funding will help…

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Oxford University Receives £6.5 Million Donation to Support Disadvantaged Students in STEM

Oxford University has just announced a staggering secret donation of £6.5 million. This funding would dramatically expand educational opportunity for socio-economically disadvantaged children. This generous contribution will help us expand our popular Existing Buildings program. Since 2021, these programs have exclusively focused on students most in need of additional academic support.

That funding will help the program expand its capacity from serving 500 students per year to 1,200. This expansion is particularly focused on two key initiatives: a targeted GCSE maths mentoring program and a bridging program designed for new undergraduate students.

The GCSE maths mentoring program provides weekly tutorials tailored to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds in mastering essential mathematics skills. This effort focuses on improving student learning. It boosts students’ confidence to study in STEM fields — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Along with supporting the mentoring program, the donation will strengthen Ed’s bridging program at Oxford University.

Our Student/Offer Holders
This initiative helps students in the period between being made an offer and starting their undergraduate studies. By providing students with research-based resources and support, the bridging program begins to smooth the academic transition for these budding new academy leaders.

Oxford University and Cambridge University will roll out their programs independently. They will coordinate and share resources and materials to amplify the impact of the donation. At Cambridge, the funding will support two programs specifically designed for disadvantaged students, including an online outreach initiative aimed at 14-19 year olds. This specialty outreach program focuses on the cultivation of fundamental physics and mathematics proficiencies. During the initial four-year period, we hope approximately 850 students will take advantage of it.

Professor James Naismith commented on the significance of this donation, stating that it will “support the next generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.” That kind of support is crucial. It means that the most talented students, regardless of their socio-economic status, receive quality education and mentorship in fields that are increasingly becoming the cutting edge.

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