The Sutton Trust’s flagship US programme supports bright British state school students from low and middle income homes to study for their degree in America.
This year 66 pupils have won places and funding to prestigious US universities – including at all eight Ivy League colleges. Over the course of their four-year degrees, they will collectively receive financial aid worth a total of $17m (£12m). The majority of these students (83%) are the first generation of their families to attend university, and most come from households earning less than £25,000 a year.
Options for disadvantaged students
Since tuition fees were introduced in 2012, the number of UK students studying at US universities has increased by almost 16% but the majority of these come from more advantaged backgrounds. The Sutton Trust wants to make studying in the US a realistic option for all bright teenagers, but particularly those from disadvantaged homes.
Sir Peter Lampl, Chairman of the Sutton Trust, said: “Over the next four years, these talented students will benefit from the broad and flexible curriculum that US universities offer, as well as full financial aid packages so that they will graduate with little or no debt.
“I hope that more bright young people from low and middle income homes will see the successes of this group and the hundreds of Sutton Trust alumni currently studying in the States and realise that a university education in America is well within their grasp.”
The value of “interconnectedness”
The students’ success was announced and celebrated as they met US Ambassador Matthew Barzun at a reception at his London residence, Winfield House, on Wednesday, 15 June.
The Ambassador emphasised the value of “interconnectedness” between the UK and US and explained how the educational exchange will allow students to see beyond unrealistic “exaggerations” and “caricatures” of each other’s cultures.
He said: “There is strength in diversity, there is a real cost to cutting connections and putting up walls.”
The 66 successful students will begin their studies as undergraduates for courses starting in September 2016. The Sutton Trust has also selected 150 state school students from over 1,200 applicants to take part in the 2016-17 programme. This group will visit the US this for a week-long residential this summer.
Find out more about the Sutton Trust US Programme on the official website:
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