Breaking down barriers
Nottingham Potential represents a major investment in the future of primary and secondary-age school pupils and a multimillion pound commitment to help break down the barriers to higher education.
The programme builds on the University’s successful Widening Participation work over the past decade within less privileged communities and aims to provide earlier, broader interventions for young people to raise attainment and encourage progression to university. The programme has been made possible by a significant £2.1m donation from the David Ross Foundation.
Kate Robertson, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at The University of Nottingham said: “It is fantastic that Sir Steve Redgrave and Gleeds are supporting the vital work we do through Nottingham Potential. By working in partnership with organisations such as Gleeds, we are able to support young people in the local communities and give them the opportunity to reach their academic potential. Without their support, these types of centres would not be possible and we are also delighted that they have lent us the support of Sir Steve, who will undoubtedly inspire the children and show them how to get results from hard work and commitment.”
Philanthropic support
Sir Steve already has links with Nottingham, having previously been given an honorary degree by the University
Stuart Senior, Main Board Director for Gleeds Nottingham added; “Both Gleeds and our ambassador, Sir Steve Redgrave, are delighted to be able to offer support for this impressive and worthwhile initiative. Nottingham Potential encourages young people across the city to realise their true potential, regardless of their background and therefore plays a vital role in nurturing the talent of tomorrow. We are proud to be hosting this event alongside the University and to play a part in ensuring that this fantastic campaign can continue to develop.”
The black-tie dinner will be taking place from 7pm at the University’s King’s Meadow Campus. The evening will be an opportunity to celebrate the success of Nottingham Potential to date with the University’s partners and stakeholders. There will also be a charity auction to raise further funds for the project.
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Notes to editors: The University of Nottinghamhas 42,000 students at award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. It was ‘one of the first to embrace a truly international approach to higher education’, according to the Sunday Times University Guide 2013. It is also one of the most popular universities among graduate employers, one of the world’s greenest universities, and winner of the Times Higher Education Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development’. It is ranked in the UK's Top 10 and the World's Top 75 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong and the QS World Rankings.
More than 90 per cent of research at The University of Nottingham is of international quality, according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise. The University aims to be recognised around the world for its signature contributions, especially in global food security, energy & sustainability, and health. The University won a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its research into global food security.
Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, its biggest ever fundraising campaign, will deliver the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. More news…