Santander UK has launched its Santander Universities Black Inclusion programme – a new online learning experience for up to 3,000 university students and recent graduates from a Black and Black Mixed Ethnicity background across the UK.

In partnership with leading finance industry specialists, Finance Unlocked, participants will benefit from access to professional development, gaining employability skills which will help build their CV. The course will focus on developing applicants’ financial skills by focusing on the fundamentals of finance and will cover topical subjects including Green Finance and Blockchain. 

After completing the eight-hour online programme and quizzes, 30 of the top-performing students and graduates will also be in with a chance of receiving a £1,500 Santander Scholarship.

Matt Hutnell, Director at Santander Universities, said: “Over the last decade Santander Universities has collaborated with its network of university partners to ensure students from diverse backgrounds are supported into university, work and self-employment. The new programme aims to provide students and recent graduates from communities under-represented in the financial services sector with further professional development as they prepare for and embark on their future careers.”

The Santander Universities Black Inclusion programme is part of Santander UK’s Black inclusion Plan launched last year as part of the bank’s overall commitment to being a genuinely inclusive and diverse organisation. The plan focuses on three key areas: Leadership, Allyship and Networks, which all shape the bank’s ongoing activity in creating a culture that champions everyday inclusion. The new Santander Universities Black Inclusion programme supports Allyship and the drive for positive change. 

As part of the application process on the Santander Scholarship platform, participants will also have the option to opt in to receive information and employment opportunities with Santander UK from its Emerging Talent Team.

Applications can be made online and the deadline is close of business on Friday 5 March 2021. The Finance Unlocked course will be open for students to complete from the 30 March until the 9 May 2021.