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The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund – the first of its kind in the UK – ensures that, if disability or injury means veterans can no longer serve in the Armed Forces, they are empowered to rewrite their own futures through accessing the transformative power of higher education.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Unlike colleagues who can plan for retirement, an unexpected discharge from the military leaves many unprepared for life after Service. Since 2017, we have helped address some of these problems by awarding 210 scholarships to disabled veterans. Having insufficient or unrecognisable qualifications is a major obstacle for many disabled veterans, and finding a fulfilling, sustainable job is a major challenge. We offer a lifeline to those who struggle to successfully move on after military life.
Solution
Veterans are less likely to have a degree, only 21% compared to 30% of the general population. The Fund provides veterans with the opportunity to study for a higher education qualification for free, and to develop their skills, knowledge and experience in their chosen subject, all while being offered specialist support. The Fund helps disabled veterans move into new careers, fill skills gaps and build different futures for themselves and their families.