Carers Scholarship Fund
The Carers Scholarship was launched in 2019 as part of the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations and offers unpaid carers the opportunity to study for qualifications with the OU for free. The Fund has been specially created to offer carers a chance to study and develop their sense of identity outside of caring.
Every day another 6,000 people in the UK take on caring commitments. That’s over 2 million people a year, which means at least three out of five of us are likely to become a carer at some point in our lives. The day-to-day life of an unpaid carer is incredibly challenging. By giving so selflessly to others, unpaid carers are often forced into unemployment or have to give up on their dreams of higher education.
The flexibility of OU study and the fact students can study anywhere and at any time, means that carers no longer need to put their dreams on hold. They can continue their caring role whilst still achieving a qualification and working towards their futures.
Since launching the Fund, 132 scholarships have been awarded and this has only been made possible thanks to the incredible support of our donor community.
By making a gift today to the Carers Scholarships you will be touching the lives of carers who have given so selflessly to the ones they love, by offering them the gift of education. You can ensure that this Giving Day is extra special for up to 10 carers who will have the chance to transform their lives by studying with The Open University.
