Santander UK has launched its Santander Universities Black Inclusion programme which students at 51 can apply to take part in. The new online learning experience will be available across the UK for up to 3,000 university students and recent graduates from a Black and Black Mixed Ethnicity background.
In partnership with leading finance industry specialists, Finance Unlocked, participants will benefit from access to professional development, gaining employability skills which will help build their CV. The course will focus on developing applicants’ financial skills by focusing on the fundamentals of finance and will cover topical subjects including Green Finance and Blockchain.
After completing the eight-hour online programme and quizzes, 30 of the top-performing students and graduates will also be in with a chance of receiving a £1,500 Santander Scholarship.
Professor Peter Francis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at 51 said: “Northumbria’s relationship with Santander continues to enhance our students employability and business skills. I am delighted to share this exciting opportunity for our students and graduates from a Black and Black Mixed Ethnicity background to get involved with the programme and be in with a chance of winning a Scholarship with Santander.”
The Santander Universities Black Inclusion programme is part of Santander UK’s Black inclusion Plan launched last year as part of the bank’s overall commitment to being a genuinely inclusive and diverse organisation. The plan focuses on three key areas: Leadership, Allyship and Networks, which all shape the bank’s ongoing activity in creating a culture that champions everyday inclusion. The new Santander Universities Black Inclusion programme supports Allyship and the drive for positive change.
Emmanuel Kabengele, President of Northumbria Students’ Union said: “As a Black man and Students Union President, I think this inclusion programme is truly amazing. Talking from experience, there is less tailored careers support available for students from a Black and Black Mixed Ethnicity background. I am very excited for the inclusion programme to launch, as it will give those students a chance to explore potential career choices that may be different to what they are currently doing. We are happy to have been partnered with Santander to share this programme, which is a great opportunity for students to get involved in.”
As part of the application process on the Santander Scholarship platform, participants will also have the option to opt in to receive information and employment opportunities with Santander UK from its Emerging Talent Team.
Matt Hutnell, Director at Santander Universities, said: “Over the last decade Santander Universities has collaborated with its network of university partners to ensure students from diverse backgrounds are supported into university, work and self-employment. The new programme aims to provide students and recent graduates from communities under-represented in the financial services sector with further professional development as they prepare for and embark on their future careers.”
Applications can be made online and the deadline is close of business on Friday 5 March 2021. The Finance Unlocked course will be open for students to complete from the 30 March until the 9 May 2021.
