Alumni Association
The Open Futures Fund is truly at the heart of the OU’s mission to make education accessible to all and is only possible thanks to your continued generosity. Together, we are breaking down barriers to education, stopping potential from going to waste and ensuring everyone – regardless of background – has the opportunity to pursue their ambitions. Take a look at the videos below to learn more about the scholarships within the Open Futures Fund and the inspiring stories from some of the incredible recipients.
In this video, inspiring OU student Olha talks about her journey from Ukraine to the UK, fleeing war alongside her young family and rebuilding her life through the power of education.
My story: Sharon
In this uplifting video, Sharon recalls how her daughter’s encouragement led her to take the plunge into OU study, and how a scholarship is helping her pursue her dreams of becoming a teacher.
The story of Althea, a recipient of The Open University’s Care Experienced Scholarship
In this heartwarming video, Althea speaks about her experience in the care system, and how the opportunity to join the OU family transformed her educational journey forever.
The story of Dan Richards, a disabled veteran and recipient of The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund.
In this video, you can hear the inspiring story of Dan Richards. You can listen to his journey from disabled veteran, having been injured in a motorcycle crash, to OU student with a future full of hope and opportunity.
The story of Gregg Stevenson, a disabled veteran and recipient of The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund.
In this video, you can hear first-hand the incredible story of Gregg Stevenson, who became a double amputee whilst serving in Afghanistan. Uncover his amazing journey from disabled veteran to OU graduate and Paralympic gold medallist.
In this video, James Champion recalls how he came to study with the OU after being medically discharged whilst serving as a helicopter pilot in the British army. James is rewriting his own story thanks to the generosity of our remarkable donors.
After joining the military at 16, OU student Daniel Bingley was forced to leave the army, after being medically discharged due to a devastating fall. In this video, Daniel tells of his time in the army and the impact OU study has had on his life, thanks to the Disabled Veterans Scholarship Fund.
In this video, Daniel Bingley discusses how, having joining the military at 16 years old, he was medically discharged following a devastating fall. Here, he talks about his time in the army and the impact OU study has had on his life.
The incredible OU donor family has transformed the lives and rewritten the futures of over 600 students through the Open Futures Fund.
In this video, you will meet Rebekah Zammett, who gives a heart-warming insight into her inspiring journey from full-time unpaid carer for her son to OU student following her dream of becoming a barrister.
The story of Tinta Alli, a refugee from the Ivory Coast and recipient of The Open University’s Sanctuary Scholarships Fund
In this video, Tinta Alli candidly discusses how becoming a refugee following civil war in Cote d’Ivôire forced him to flee his home. Now settled in the UK and studying with the OU, he is deeply excited about the future.