University changes lives. It changed Andy Taylor's life. However, it’s incredibly tough to access a University education nowadays. Fees can feel off-putting and maintenance loans are certainly far too low. Even if a young person from a disadvantaged background somehow manages the financial burden, sadly the playing field is still not level after they graduate without connected support around them. Don’t just take it from us. There’s a huge body of recent analysis. 

“Young people from less well-off backgrounds who attend university are more likely to become socially mobile into higher income brackets…..” However, “... those from more advantaged groups are more likely to end up in the top fifth of earners after graduation, even among those attending similar universities" Sutton Trust, Universities and Social Mobility Report, Nov 2021

“Most students said the value of their maintenance package is not enough to afford the weekly shop, transport... or energy bills…. Amongst the hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis are students with caring responsibilities, disabled students, estranged students and students from a low socio- economic background“ National Union of Students, Cost of Living Research, June 2022

‘[Niamh] said tuition fees were not rising by a “huge amount” but maintenance loan increases were "definitely needed" to support students. She said costs for university students were "ridiculous", so "even a little bit of extra support is welcome’ BBC interview, prospective first year student, Niamh, Oldham, 4 Nov '24

“A student from a disadvantaged background who gains a first class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2”upReach, social mobility charity website, 2024

HOW WILL WE HELP? 

Andy Taylor Foundation Digital Innovation Bursaries 

Andy was a digital pioneer and co-founder of Little Dot Studios (acclaimed digital business). Andy wanted others to enjoy the career he loved. The Andy Taylor Foundation is therefore joining the Royal Television Society’s Digital Innovation bursary panel. We will support provision of bursaries to deserving University students from lower-income backgrounds, who are passionate about forging a career in digital media. Working alongside the Royal Television Society (RTS), the Andy Taylor Foundation (ATF) will: 

• Market new ATF Digital scholarships to key higher education institutions, student bodies and outreach communities 
• Assist in the selection of future Digital Innovation (“DI”) bursary recipients, with the RTS and other partner organisations 
• Create a bespoke programme of digital media masterclasses, focusing on skills needed for premium digital content creation and distribution (social platforms, branded content, the creator economy, monetisation and more) 
• Create a bespoke programme of relevant soft skills support (imposter syndrome, “My story”, pitching, interview skills etc) complementing fantastic broader RTS sessions 
• Offer our digital first content not only to this year’s DI bursary recipients, but also former DI students and potentially the whole RTS bursary network (373 students to date)
• Introduce our “digital first” industry contacts for student networking and mentorship, further boosting the phenomenal network of RTS members and contacts
• Contribute to the incredible 10 day, all expenses paid “Summer Tour” offered to DI students. Joining Apple TV+, STV and a host of industry names, we will craft an additional experience to give insight into working in the digital sector

PLUS

We will specifically fund two students as Andy Taylor Foundation Digital scholars, giving each-

• £2.5k bursary per student per year 
• a MacBook with software licences to narrow the "digital divide"
• regular access to our skilled programme director for one to one developmental sessions, and
• a carefully paired mentor

ATF Digital scholars will receive all of the above, plus: 

• free RTS Membership
• free access to all RTS events (including a prestigious Patron’s Dinner and RTS Cambridge Convention, with travel and expenses covered) 
• free access to RTS screenings and lectures  
• input from other DI panel companies, via the Summer Tour and tailored events
• access to a peer network of over 370 RTS bursary scholars, past and present, and 
• upon graduation, free access to the new RTS Mini MBA.

Via this amazing package, we will help forge a clear career path for our ATF Digital scholars, plus impact the career path of many others within the RTS network. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We’d love you to consider another generous donation towards our vital work supporting the next generation of digital talent- no matter where they were born or who they know. We hope to raise £40,000 by the end of 2025. 

Examples of what donated money will fund-

£5,000- Academic year monetary bursary award, 2 students 

£2,500- Academic year monetary bursary award, 1 student

£2,280- 1 month ATF bursary team support (PT skilled programme director & admin)

£2k- either:

• Application creation, shortlist, selection, bursary award, monitoring (2 students)
• Cost of student Summer Tour participation- inc travel, accommodation, expenses (2 students)

£1,500- either: 

• ATF creating our own hosted Summer Tour experience (inc ATF travel, food, room for whole cohort, additional speakers, materials etc)
• 3 digital expert masterclasses (minimum needed per year) inc prep, travel and expenses, speaker fees etc

£1k- any of: 

• ATF tour of key Unis to encourage student applications- promote accessibility
• Application creation, filtering, shortlist, selection, award and monitoring (1 student)
• Cost of Summer Tour participation- travel, accommodation, expenses (1 student)

£570- 1 week ATF bursary team support (PT skilled programme director & admin)

£500- 1 digital expert masterclass- prep, travel and expenses, speaker fees 

YOUR MONEY, VIA OUR PROGRAMMES, CHANGES LIVES!

"Foot In The Door [former ATF programme] changed my life forever, not only in terms of my career as I’m in a job I dreamt off, but also in my confidence in my own skills and abilities. It also helped me meet friends and contacts that will last a lifetime.” Grace Barnes

We hope we can continue to count on your support, to help more young people like Grace get where they deserve to be.