Reporter

Ford scholarship programme to power Imperial students

1 February 2012

Ford of Britain has selected Imperial College London as one of twelve universities who will take part in the Ford Blue Oval Scholarship Programme. This £1 million programme will help to develop 100 of the UK’s next generation of student engineers, scientists and innovators at leading UK universities.

Courtesy of a £100,000 donation, Ford will provide sponsorship of £10,000 per student over the course of their undergraduate programme for 10 Imperial undergraduates on a selection of engineering, science, manufacturing and technology courses.

In making the announcement, Joe Greenwell, Ford of Britain chairman, met with Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts, and a selection of senior university representatives at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in London. The group discussed how government, businesses and universities could work together to benefit UK manufacturing and engineering.

Joe Greenwell said: “Ford is encouraging students to choose courses which deliver the highest quality science and technology skills which are fundamental to our future industrial base. The scholarship programme is just one of the ways in which Ford is inspiring the next generation of designers, engineers, and scientists and in turn, helping to rebalance the UK economy and ensure long term economic success.”

Speaking at the event, Rector Sir Keith O’Nions said: “I am delighted Ford has chosen to support Imperial students, and I applaud their initiative and foresightedness in working with universities. Partnerships such as these not only benefit the students in receipt of support, they also help us to better understand what industry needs from our graduates, and how we get them ready for the workplace of the 21st century. There is huge scope for increasing activities between business and universities, not only in research and education within the institution, but in encouraging greater participation in science and technology at a younger age.“

Universities Minister David Willetts said: “Ensuring the UK is the best place in the world for university-industry collaboration is vital to the growth of our economy, and this programme is a fantastic example of that. Ford is encouraging students to graduate with the latest knowledge and practical skills in science and technology; core skills which are needed by the UK manufacturing sector to drive growth through innovation and research & development.”

Further details on eligibility criteria and the application process will be released in the coming weeks. To express an interest in receiving more information please email the Scholarships team.

Click here to learn more about the Ford Blue Oval Scholarship Programme

— Simon Watts, Communications and Development

Tags: prospective students, scholarships
Posted in College, Students | 2 Comments »

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