An exciting new chapter is starting for eight residents from housing associations across the country, including two Clarion residents, as they become our first Social Housing Scholars.
From finance and law to real estate and social policy, their ambitions reflect the wide range of careers that help homes and communities thrive. Through the programme, they will develop new skills, gain valuable work experience, and build professional connections, helping them turn those ambitions into meaningful careers.
They are the first of two cohorts to benefit from the Social Housing Scholarships Programme, which will support 15 residents through university with £6,000 per year towards the costs of university life. They’ll also receive mentoring, personal and professional development, work experience opportunities, and a paid internship.
Led by Clarion Futures and Blackbullion, in partnership with Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTVH), Peabody, L&Q, Riverside, Places for People, The Hyde Group and the Fusion21 Foundation, the scholarship brings together organisations from across the housing sector to invest in residents’ potential, helping them access higher education and open doors to rewarding future careers.
Meet some of our scholars
Every Social Housing Scholar brings their own experiences, ambitions and ideas about the difference they want to make. Some of our first scholars have shared more about what has shaped them and what they hope to achieve through their studies and future careers.
Daniel
Daniel dealt with a range of personal challenges but continued to pursue his goals. He participated in competitive programmes with top law firms and sought ways to give back to his community.
“Through my studies, I hope to deepen my knowledge of various aspects of management, helping me utilise a more diverse thought process to flourish during my future career as a lawyer. Through my career in law, I wish to engage in pro bono work to help provide aid to those unable to afford it. I hope to participate in opportunities that help pass the ladder down to those in similar positions to which I was once in.”
Daniel – Management, LSE
Tovia
Moving homes and experiencing disruption to her education inspired Tovia's interest in property management. She now hopes to use that lived experience into her future career and help support residents.
“Through my studies, I hope to build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed for a successful career in Real Estate. Having experienced housing instability myself, I understand how much a secure home can affect people’s lives. Being able to use my skills to help people make informed property decisions, while contributing to stronger homes and communities, is what excites me about Real Estate. I want my career to have a purpose beyond myself.”
Tovia – Real Estate Management, Kingston University
Louis
Louis’s experience of poor housing sparked an interest in how buildings affect people’s everyday lives. Alongside his engineering studies, he has taken on additional technical projects to deepen his passion for thoughtful design.
“Having lived in social housing, I know firsthand how important the physical quality of homes and socially functional urban spaces are. What excites me the most about pursuing a career as an urban planner and engineer is the chance to help design housing and infrastructure that serves the people who need it most. I am eager to make a subtle but lasting difference to everyday people’s lives.”
Louis – Civil Engineering, Loughborough University
Lamin
Alongside his studies, Lamin has developed his voice through debating, public speaking and acting. These experiences have built his confidence and strengthened a passion for making sure communities like his own are heard.
“Empowered by a strong moral compass, my dedication to community investment appears in everything I’ve undertaken. In alignment with my university’s motto ‘to know the causes of things’, I aim to study the intersections between housing, welfare and inequality. The mentoring and internship programmes will bring me close enough to the social policy sector to lift a magnifying glass to its inner workings.”
Lamin – Politics and social policy, LSE
Kristina
After adapting to a new education system and learning English, Clarion resident Kristina has continued pursuing her ambitions despite financial pressures, with hopes of building a career and greater security for her family.
“Through my studies I’m trying to develop my critical thinking skills and communication skills and get a job at the end of my studies. This scholarship will give me opportunities like internships and volunteering that can help me develop those essential skills that are important for employability. I’m going to be excited to be an example of a person that social housing has helped and shaped my future differently.”
Kristina – Economics and Finance, University of Bristol
Leila
Despite disruption to family life and education, Leila remained focused on studies and secured a place at Cambridge. It’s an exciting achievement and the beginning of a new chapter.
“Through my studies, I hope to develop a deeper understanding of inequality, the factors that contribute to it and what can be done to address it. I find it rewarding to think that the analytical and critical thinking skills I develop through my studies could eventually be applied to real-world challenges. I know I want to pursue work that is both intellectually stimulating and allows me to make a positive and meaningful contribution to communities.”
Leila – Land Economy, University of Cambridge
The scholarship can make a difference to the whole family. Tovia’s mum shared what the support means to them:
“I felt extremely grateful when I heard she had been selected, especially knowing how hard she has worked to reach this point. I am incredibly proud of her and hope this opportunity gives her the confidence and support to achieve her ambitions."
Alice
Tovia’s mum
This is just the beginning
Over the coming years, we’ll continue sharing stories from our Social Housing Scholars, celebrating their progress, experiences and achievements as they build new skills, expand their networks and take the next steps towards meaningful careers.
Their journeys are only just beginning, and we’re excited to see where their ambitions take them.
Could you be one of our next Social Housing Scholars?
Check your eligibility and register your interest to be among the first to hear when applications open.
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