Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling has pledged to put 14 poor students of black, African and Caribbean heritage through university in an effort to help bridge an equality gap.
Recent studies showed less than five per cent of UK students beginning undergraduate degrees in the 2021-22 academic year were black. Through his foundation, England star Sterling has partnered with the University of Manchester and King's College London to fund scholarships for seven students at each institution.
The first four scholarships will go to students beginning degree programmes in 2023-24. Those will be split evenly between the two universities, with two at Manchester and two at King's.
"This opportunity will help young people access further education and present them with experiences and opportunities that will enhance their future career prospects," Sterling said. "I hope this initiative will be a real game changer over the next few years and I am delighted to be working with two of the finest universities in the world.
"I wish the recipients of our funding all the very best and look forward to meeting everyone on campus in Manchester and London later this year," Sterling added. The England international moved to London in the summer of 2022, leaving Manchester City for Chelsea after seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium.
"Widening participation in higher education makes both King's and the wider world a better place," King's president and principal Shitij Kapur said. "We are delighted to partner with the Raheem Sterling Foundation to further our work in this area and enable more support for under-represented students to access higher education, achieve their aspirations and become the change-makers of the future."
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The Raheem Sterling Foundation was set up in 2020 with the aim of helping the most disadvantaged in society. It followed campaign work from his international team-mate Marcus Rashford - another member of England's squad at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup - who has aimed to tackle food poverty.
“That's me finished with the 'what can happen, what should happen'. Now I'm trying to put into place stuff I can do myself,” Sterling told The Sunday Times upon establishing his foundation
"Stuff to give young people in the same circumstances I was in another shot. If there is a university they want to go to, football equipment they need, other things. I want to be a helping hand..
"I'm not really fussed about having this million and that million. What will make me happy is seeing I am able to help. Even if it's five people, even if it's one, at least I have helped someone come out of their bubble and experienced that there is something better to England."
