The Fusion21 Foundation is proud to support a new national Social Housing Scholarships Programme aimed at widening access to higher education and creating pathways into careers across the housing sector.
Launched during National Scholarships Week, the programme is coordinated by Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group. It is delivered in partnership with Blackbullion - the home of student money and the UK’s largest hub of scholarships and additional funding, and housing associations Hyde, L&Q, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), Peabody, Places for People and Riverside, with match funding from the Fusion21 Foundation.
Jo Hannan, Head of the Fusion21 Foundation said: “This programme recognises the talent and potential that exists in social housing communities, and the importance of removing barriers that can limit opportunity. By supporting this partnership, we’re helping residents access routes into higher education and meaningful careers, while contributing to a stronger and more inclusive future workforce for the housing sector.”
Over two years, the initiative will fund 14 undergraduate scholarships, with each scholar receiving £18,000 to support living costs while studying. In addition to financial support, scholars will have access to mentoring, paid work experience and networking opportunities, helping them prepare for careers in the sector.
The programme supports a wide range of housing-related career pathways including property, construction, sustainability, social policy, urban planning and business management, as well as roles such as HR, IT, finance and marketing and communications.
Clare Miller, Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group, added: “
At Clarion, we believe that talent exists in every community, but opportunity doesn’t always follow. That’s why we’re leading the way with the new Social Housing Scholarships Programme, working with the Fusion21 Foundation and other leading housing associations to help level the playing field for social housing residents through financial support, mentoring and paid work experience to break down barriers.
“By opening up pathways into meaningful careers in housing, we’re investing in a more diverse generation of future professionals who will help shape stronger, thriving communities.”
Open to social housing residents of any age in England, the scholarships are aimed at those beginning an undergraduate degree in 2026. Priority will be given to applicants from lower-income households or who are the first in their family to attend university, with selection based on attitude, determination and enthusiasm, and less emphasis placed on academic performance than is typical in standard scholarship programmes.
Representing an investment in future talent, this initiative will help support a more inclusive housing workforce and create long-term opportunities for residents and the sector.
Applications are open from 24 April until midnight on 5 July. Scholars will be selected following the publication of A-level results in August.
To find out more or apply click here.