Clarion announces new scholarship programme to boost diversity
Clarion Housing is the UK’s largest housing association, owning and managing 125,000 homes.
The Clarion scholarship programme will provide funding to support students from low-income and social-housing backgrounds.
UK housing association, Clarion Housing Group, has announced a new scholarship programme, which is set to increase diveristy across sustainability and architecture.
The initiative is set to provide funding to support students from low-income households and social housing backgrounds through their degree courses, claims the association.
Forming part of the William Sutton Prize, an award for innovation in social housing, Clarion will offer a range of scholarships and education programmes which aim to “revolutionise access to education”.
Clare Miller, Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group, explained how the scholarships will help battle the cost barriers of degrees in sustainability and architecture.
Miller said: “Through these scholarships, it is my hope that we’ll be able to help level the playing field and encourage a more diverse body of future architects and sustainability professionals, removing the stress of having to work through university to pay the bills, buy materials and fund study trips.
“To maximise impact, our focus is on providing opportunities for social housing residents and those from low-income households in London. In addition to financial support, we’ll also be offering scholars access to mentoring and work placements to help them kickstart their careers, welcoming them into the William Sutton Prize family.”
In partnerhsip with the London Neighbourhood Scholarship Trust, three scholarships of £15,000 are to be distributed in £5,000 instalments over three years to students of architecture from underrepresented backgrounds living in London.
One of the scholarships has been sponsored by architecture practice Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), with aims to help increase diversity and level the playing field for young people entering the profession.
Two scholarships are being provided regarding financial and career support to students of sustainability who live or have lived in social housing.
Working with financial education specialists Blackbullion, the housing association is offering two scholarships of £18,000, to be distributed in three yearly instalments of £6,000.
In addition to funding, scholars will also benefit from a tailored package of career support, including mentorship, internships and work experience opportunities facilitated by jobs and training experts within Clarion Futures.
Applications for The William Sutton Prize architecture scholarships close on 28 April, and sustainability students who live or have lived in social housing can apply for The William Sutton Prize sustainability scholarships until 23 May.
Scholars will be selected following the publication of A-level results in August.
