Applications open to new scholarship programme by One Stop

Convenience retailer One Stop has launched a new scholarship programme that will provide opportunities for young people from its communities and to support social mobility.

Applications are now open for students hoping to enrol into university for 2022.

The One Stop Scholarship Programme programme will provide four young people, from low-income households – studying an undergraduate degree in Online, Technology or Sustainability – with support, guidance and financial assistance throughout their university life.

“This is a really exciting proposition for us here at One Stop and for our current and future students on the programme. The programme provides opportunities not only for us as a business but also for young people looking to progress their careers within an Online, Technology or Sustainability environment, all with a leading convenience retailer,” Liz Fox, head of sustainability and social responsibility at One Stop, commented.

“We’re looking for candidates to join us directly from the local communities where our stores are located. We’ll help equip them with a number of unique benefits for their career paths, which are not available through any other channel.”

The retailer said it has been working in partnership with environmental charity Groundwork to develop and set up the application process and criteria. The launch follows a successful trial with two students who have currently been enrolled on the programme from 2021.

“For us, getting the social mobility aligned in our scholarship programme was key and working with Groundwork has enabled us to get the programme developed and up and running. We’re delighted to be welcoming our first students into the One Stop team and opening our application process for our next candidates into next year,” Fox added.

The One Stop scholarship programme comprises a bursary of £15,000; two paid internships during their university summer holidays in the areas of Online, Technology or Sustainability; mentoring support from one of the One Stop Leadership Team throughout the students’ degree and as they start their future career; and graduate role at One Stop, providing real career progression from the minute they start university.

Liliana Odjo from Coventry is one of the students currently on the pilot scheme who was absolutely thrilled when she heard she had been selected. She has just entered her first year at the University of Warwick studying a four-year Masters course in Computer Science.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was accepted; it really blew my mind! I started going to One Stop when I was child, and now, here I am doing their very first scholarship! I think it’s amazing the way they’re helping people in their own communities,” she commented.

“I can’t say the road to get here has been easy. It took a lot of hard work to get myself here. I never felt deprived or disadvantaged growing up – I am just very lucky and proud to be here now.

“Because I’m one of the first students on the scholarship I will be working closely with One Stop’s Technology department to help develop the scheme further, so this is another really exciting aspect for me as I’ll be playing such a big part in the future of the programme. I’m also really looking forward to the internships too as I’ll be doing a lot of theory on my course which I can apply in the physical environment. I really want to make a difference as One Stop has made such a difference to me.”

Asked what her family think about her being selected, Odjo said: “My mum has worked in the care industry all her life and has always believed in me. When I told her she said, ‘well done, work hard and don’t slack’! I think that’s pretty good advice!”

Students applying for university in 2022, who come from a lower income household, are invited to apply from 1 November with the closing date being 31 January 2022.

Further information can be obtained from here.