Raheem Sterling, a winger for Chelsea, will fund 14 students' university education.

"I'm hoping this initiative will really change the game" Raheem Sterling, a star for Chelsea and England, makes an exceptionally kind commitment to fund the education of 14 youngsters.

Raheem Sterling, a winger for Chelsea, will contribute to the education of 14 youngsters.

The Raheem Sterling Foundation has partnered with Kings College London and The University of Manchester to provide 14 scholarships to students of Black African and Caribbean heritage from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds.

The first four scholarships (two at King's and two at Manchester) will be available for students commencing degree programmes in 2023/24. 

There will be several opportunities for students to apply throughout the following three years, and applications are welcome from young people in Greater Manchester and Greater London.

This programme aims to close the achievement gap for Black British students, facilitate equal access to higher education, and boost social mobility. 

Sterling said in a statement on the collaboration: "This chance will enable young people access higher education and present them with experiences and chances that will enhance their future employment prospects. 

"I am thrilled to be working with two of the best universities in the world, and I hope this initiative will be a real game changer over the next few years." I send my best wishes to all who will benefit from our financing and am looking forward to meeting everyone later this year on campuses in Manchester and London.

Less than 5% of all UK students beginning undergraduate degrees in 2021–22 were black, according to study. 

"At the Raheem Sterling Foundation, we believe that access to better education and employment opportunities should be made fair to all young people regardless of financial circumstances and background," said Clive Ellington, chair of the board of trustees. We strive to improve their chances, potential careers, and quality of life, and we won't stop working until Raheem's vision of achieving this is realised.

"Partnering with two of the UK's top universities, whose strive for change mirrors that of ours, is a real highlight of our journey to date, and we couldn't be happier to announce our commitment to them and the students over the next three years," the statement reads.

The Raheem Sterling Foundation partnership will provide us with additional support to enable talented Black students to access higher education, mitigating financial challenges so they are better able to focus on their studies and realise their full potential, according to University of Manchester President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell.

I think scholarships are an essential tool for assisting kids in enrolling in and advancing through higher education, which is why we are thrilled to work with Raheem to support gifted Black students in Greater Manchester.