Meads Trust supports our new Science Oxford Scholarship Programme

We are delighted to announce that the Meads Trust has generously donated £10,000 to support The Oxford Trust’s new flagship Science Oxford Scholarship Programme, helping us increase the programme’s first cohort from a planned 16 to 20 students. 

The new Science Oxford Scholarship Programme has been created to inspire, empower and equip the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists and innovators. 

Bridging the gap

The programme responds to a critical challenge: the growing demand for STEM skills, both locally and nationally. Oxfordshire is home to one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems, yet too many young people from state schools and under-served communities face barriers to pursuing STEM careers. At the same time, STEM employers face significant difficulties in recruiting people with the skills they need. The Science Oxford Scholarship Programme aims to bridge this gap by connecting these young people directly with the region’s world-class STEM community.  

The fully funded two-year programme is designed for a diverse cohort of high-potential A-level or equivalent students from local state schools and colleges. It will help students raise aspirations and build the skills, networks, knowledge and experience they need to actively pursue STEM education and careers with confidence.   

By combining STEM enrichment, careers education, guidance and employer engagement, the programme will provide a coherent pathway that helps students move from curiosity to confidence and from aspiration to action. 

Enabling potential

Francesca MacLennan, Director of Science Education and Engagement, The Oxford Trust says:

We are delighted to have the support of the Meads Trust for this important new programme. They see the potential of this initiative and are fully supportive of the vision.  Oxfordshire has an extraordinary science and technology community but not every young person has equal access to the opportunities it offers. This generous funding will able us to grow the programme enabling high potential students with a passion for STEM to build the skills, confidence and connections they need to pursue their career ambitions in the sector.

Bethany Beckford, Meads Trust says:

Having spent two decades leading technical projects in science and innovation, I know first-hand the power of real-world exposure to ignite a young person’s potential. But for far too many talented teenagers, access to these opportunities isn’t equal. Sponsoring the Science Oxford STEM Scholarship is about breaking down those barriers, giving young people from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds the direct experience, confidence, and mentorship they need to see themselves as the innovators of tomorrow. Education thrives on partnership, and supporting Science Oxford allows me to turn my purpose into tangible impact for the next generation.

 

The Oxford Trust will officially celebrate the launch of the Science Oxford Scholarship Programme at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington, Oxford, on 4th November bringing together students accepted on the programme, STEM professionals, Trust staff and trustees, funders and partners. 

Find out more about the Science Oxford Scholarship Programme here.

Help inspire the next generation

We would be pleased to hear from other funders and corporate partners who would like to support the Science Oxford Scholarship Programme. There are many ways to get involved from sharing STEM expertise and welcoming young people into your STEM workplace to funding a scholar or sponsoring the wider programme.