A YOUNG woman from Marhamchurch has started university, along with three other students from Devon, with the support of a unique social mobility programme from Lloyds Banking Group.

The Lloyds Scholars programme offers financial assistance, two paid ten-week internships, and a dedicated mentor from Lloyds Banking Group to help support talented undergraduates from lower income backgrounds.

Lloyds Scholars are also required to complete at least 100 hours of volunteering in their local area alongside their studies, all of which helps them make the most of their university experience and become more employable as a result, as well as being able to make a valuable difference within their communities.

Amy Kerr, from Marhamchurch, is studying Law at the University of Oxford, and is joined by Tegan Worden, Bethany Drew and Alice Giorgi — students from Devon — on this programme.

Paul O’Neill, head of Lloyds Scholars, said: “The programme has been building momentum over the past five years and I look forward to welcoming Tegan, Bethany, Amy and Alice on to the programme.

“As part of our ambition to help Britain prosper, we are committed to addressing inequality, supporting disadvantaged people and championing Britain’s diversity. Our scholars programme helps us deliver on all of these commitments, and has a positive impact on the students’ time at university and beyond.”

Over 600 scholars have now been supported by the programme, with 156 who have graduated since starting. Another 120 have joined the programme for this cohort, following a competitive application process. Supporting talented undergraduates like this is why the programme sits at the heart of Lloyds Banking Group’s plan to ‘help Britain prosper’.

The programme was launched in June 2011 and five years on, some of its positive impacts include having 67 out of 68 existing graduates in employment, and 34 on the Lloyds Banking Group graduate scheme; 120,000 volunteering hours have been delivered; 90% of scholars think the volunteering aspect has made them more employable; and 98% of scholars think their internships have made them more employable.

For more information about the scheme, visit www.lloyds-scholars.com