Kingsmakers: Helping a new generation follow in our footsteps

From programmes for A-level students, to support during undergraduate and postgraduate studies, right up to career opportunities beyond university. Through supporting scholarships, bursaries and initiatives such as the K+ programme, gifts from Kingsmakers give students from disadvantaged backgrounds the confidence and academic support to apply to King’s.

Donations have also given students from nine different faculties the time to focus their attention on their studies. The Kingsmakers give students the opportunity to create change in society and explore meaningful career opportunities alongside their studies.

The impact of the pandemic

With the ongoing battle against COVID-19, this vital support for students is more important than ever. For many new and returning students, despite careful budgeting, the pandemic has thrown their plans into turmoil and they are now struggling to afford life in London. Sadly, it is our most disadvantaged students, who were already affected by the growing equality gap in access to higher education, who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.

Kingsmakers understand there is not a single solution to close this gap. That is why the programmes run by King’s, and funded by your fellow alumni, make sure every bright student is given the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Helping Charlotte, Mental Health Nursing graduate, persevere during tough times.

'I’ve wanted to study at King’s since I was young – I remember walking past the campus on the Strand when I was very young and deciding I wanted to go there one day.

But while I was applying for universities my mum was involved in a road traffic accident, leaving her severely disabled. It meant I ended up working two jobs while trying to finish my college degree and paying for the mortgage at home. It was a really, really tough time.

Facing challenges

Then I got into King’s and had to work out how to finance my degree. I still had to cover lots of bills for the family home and knew that, if I ran out of funds, there wasn’t anything to fall back on.

My student loan just about covered my accommodation, so I had a job as well as my university work and nursing placement, which I didn’t get paid for. Mine was the first year after the government cut NHS funding for student nurses, so I just had no other support.

A life-line for Charlotte

I’m so glad I found out about the Hardship Fund and applied for it. When I received the funding, it was such a relief. I really needed the money just to pay for food and daily living expenses. It also had a positive impact on my studies. Before receiving the funding, I sometimes wouldn’t be able to come to class when I couldn’t afford to travel into central London.

To the alumni who have supported me, I would like to say thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to study. I never imagined my life to be like this.

I never thought that one day my mum would get into an accident and I would have to pick up the pieces. There are so many young people out there who are striving to make it, despite the number of hurdles put in front of them. And without the Hardship Fund they wouldn’t even have a chance.'

Helping Gabriela, Geography student, to find a potential career path in her chosen field.

‘Getting a place on the Civic Leadership Academy at King’s was a really big step for me. Going into my third year having started the Academy during the summer, really helped me to feel ahead of the game when it came to work experience.

The programme started with a week of workshops to prepare us for the professional environment – and came with a lot of homework. After that, I started my four-week internship with the Living Wage Foundation – a charity I had been connected with because I am interested in education and income equality.

From nervous to resilient

At first, I was nervous to be pushed out of my comfort zone, but everyone in the team was so welcoming and supportive. I learned so much in those four weeks and, once lectures started, was able to work a shift in the office with them every week.

I feel that I’ve already developed so much as a professional. I’ve become more resilient and self-reflective, and I have learned how to adapt my communication skills in a professional environment.

The bursary that I receive has been such a help this year. Money was tight when it came in, so it was a real relief. Most of it I’ve spent on living costs and travel – public transport in London is so expensive.

Becoming a young leader

I am so grateful to alumni for donating and I hope that the Civic Leadership Academy can continue to grow in the next year. It really has filled a gap for us – I’ve not seen any other programme that supports careers in civic society, which is where I want to make my mark after graduation.

Without it, I would not have been able to access similar experiences. Through the Academy, alumni are helping us become skilled and socially minded young leaders.