Scholars scheme helps uni dream

EMMA Jackson is on the prestigious Lloyds Scholars programme, studying psychology at Oxford

A ROYTON girl is studying at the University of Oxford, thanks to the support of a unique social mobility programme from Lloyds Banking Group.

Former Blue Coat School pupil Emma Jackson (19) is studying psychology and is hoping to either do a PhD after her undergraduate programme and research into autism, or become a consultant.

The Lloyds Scholars programme offers financial assistance, two paid 10-week internships, and a dedicated mentor from Lloyds Banking Group to help support talented undergraduates from lower income backgrounds.

Lloyds Scholars are also required to complete at least 100 hours of volunteering in their local area alongside their studies - all of which helps them make the most of their university experience and become more employable as a result and make a valuable difference within their communities.

Emma said: "I was really surprised. It seemed difficult to get on it, so I was happy and shocked.

"Uni is really fun.

"It's challenging, obviously ­- the workload is heavy. But it pushes you out of your comfort zone in a good way."

Manages

At home she lives with mum Lindsey (48), who manages a nursery, dad Lee, who fits blinds, and sister Sally (17), who may join her big sister at Oxford after completing her A-levels at Blue Coat.

Over 600 scholars have now been supported by the programme, which was launched in 2011, with 156 who have graduated to date.

Another 120 have joined the programme following a competitive application process.

As part of its commitment to helping Britain prosper, Lloyds Banking Group is investing £17m into Lloyds Scholars over the first five years of the programme.

It was developed to encourage and support young people from lower income families to study at some of the UK's leading universities.

Scholars are not obliged to work for Lloyds when they graduate, but Lloyds will provide opportunities for successful scholars to join the group's graduate leadership programme.

The Lloyds Scholars programme provides students with support for their academic and vocational development and offers a complete financial and support package including bursary payments to help with the cost of living and studying, as well as two, paid summer internships with the group.

Scholars, in return, agree to volunteer a minimum of 100 hours each year in their local community as well as promote and champion the Lloyds Scholars programme to future generations

To be eligible for the programme, students must come from homes where the household income is under £25,000 and have a place at one of the leading universities taking part in the programme.

Supporting

Paul O'Neill, head of Lloyds Scholars, said: "As part of our ambition to help Britain prosper we are committed to addressing inequality, supporting disadvantaged people and championing Britain's diversity.

"Our scholars programme helps us deliver on all of these commitments and has a positive impact on the students' time at university and beyond."