Gift from St John's alumnus doubles size of Get In Cambridge programme
New philanthropic support ensures the future of the Get In Cambridge programme.
Get In Cambridge launched in 2019 as a programme that allows brilliant students to reach their full potential at Cambridge, regardless of background. It aims to bust myths about Cambridge and reach talented UK students from ethnic minority backgrounds historically under-represented at Cambridge.
Through targeted social media outreach and award-winning campaigns, applications have increased from Black British, Bangladeshi and Pakistani students, groups which are particularly under-represented. Additional financial support is available to these students once admitted to Cambridge so they can fully participate in Cambridge life. Crucially, awards are also available for Master's degree programmes, helping diversify the field of those who take up a career in academia.
Financial support at the Master's level plays a significant role in overcoming the financial barriers Get In students face when undertaking postgraduate study.
Supraj Rajagopalan (St John's 1996) has made the largest donation to Get In Cambridge to date. His generosity has increased the number of students who are able to be supported through Get In annually from 30 to 52. His support also ensures that Get In's widening participation work can continue.
"Get In Cambridge is a fantastic and inspirational programme that I'm pleased to support," he commented. "Its scope of encouraging applications, as well as supporting students when they're here, is key to helping address systemic disadvantage both before and during their Cambridge experience."
"My Cambridge experience was transformative, and I believe in giving back to benefit future generations. I was exposed to incredible role models across Cambridge, and I believe the Get In programme offers today's students a wide range of role models at all levels — fellow students, College and University leaders, and alumni."
"I hope the programme will continue to find novel ways to reach bright students who may not think that they'll fit in Cambridge but who then see students like them thriving. I also want those students to know that financial support is available and that resources are there to help them make the most of their time at Cambridge."
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Philanthropic giving is at the heart of the success of the Collegiate University, enabling us to make discoveries that change the world and to ensure that our students receive an unrivalled education. Cambridge owes its world-leading excellence in research and teaching to the generosity of its supporters. Our history is synonymous with a history of far-sighted benefaction, and the same is as true today as it has ever been.