Four young people have graduated from Loughborough University London, based at Here East on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. They had won a scholarship to study a masters as part of a programme called “Inspiring Success” which is run by the London Legacy Development Corporation, who run Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and Loughborough University London. So far 40 young people who live around the Olympic Park have had their degrees funded by this programme. One of them is Marvin Amankwa-Dei, aged 26, from Newham.

Marvin went to St Bonaventures school in Newham and then went on to study Business Management at Canterbury Christ Church University. He then applied to join the ‘Inspiring Success’ programme and a Masters in “Managing Innovation in Creative Organisations” from Loughborough University London. Marvin said: “The Inspiring Success Scholarship has provided a network of support that has enabled me to have a greater awareness of the direction I wanted to go into career wise.”

Inspiring Success is targeted at local graduates who attended schools in the boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. The programme is delivered in two stages. First, participants are invited to attend a series of workshops that help them identify their strengths, reflect on experiences and clarify the steps needed to reach future goals.  Next, eligible participants will be given the opportunity to apply for a 100% scholarship to study a master's programme of their choice. Applications are open now for the 2020 intake. There’s more information here.

Paul Brickell, Executive Director of Regeneration and Partnerships for the London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “Raising aspirations and helping people to fulfil their potential is a key part of the London 2012 Games legacy and the Inspiring Success scholarships are just one way in which this is being delivered.  We are delighted that 40 local residents have secured scholarships with Loughborough University London. There is no doubt they have bright futures ahead of them.”