About us
As a Civic University, Staffordshire is committed to addressing societal issues and transforming the lives of the local community and its students through providing philanthropic funds that will help both the community and its students thrive and excel. This builds on the University’s 100-year heritage of philanthropic giving which dates back to the early 1900s.
Founded in 1914, Staffordshire University has consistently pioneered innovative vocational and academic teaching and learning.
In the late 1890s, it had been felt that technical schools in Stoke-on-Trent were ill-equipped for scientific or academic courses. So in 1900, plans were drawn up to create a North Staffordshire University College. To raise £20,000 needed for construction of the new college (equivalent of £1.3 million today) a fundraising council was founded chaired by industrialist Alfred Sohier Bolton. In 1910 the land for the two-acre site on College Road was donated by Bolton’s heirs Francis and Thomas on the condition that pottery and mining institutes were based there.
From there, through longstanding academic partnerships with schools, colleges, and universities globally, it has retained its loyalty to the local community whilst connecting with national and overseas partners.
Our objective is to continue fueling economic development, conducting important research, and helping to shape the next generation of highly qualified, skilled, confident, and empowered Staffordshire University graduates – it is our strong connections to our community, locally and globally, which help us achieve these goals.
The Horizon Fund
The Horizon Fund was launched at Staffordshire University in 2013, bringing together our University family of alumni, supporters, staff and students to fund life changing opportunity awards, bursaries and scholarships. As a result, more than 2,000 students have so far received awards ranging in value from £20 to £2,000!
Students often see finance, particularly travel and living costs, as a huge barrier to higher education. It is thanks to the generous and supportive donors, that many of these students are now able to access financial support through our Horizon Fund.
However, development funds are not just targeted to those from lower income households. Equally important is the funding of opportunity awards for students from all backgrounds to extend their learning, seize new opportunities and achieve their ambitions.
Why do we raise funds for our students?
The answer is simple.
To make their impossible, possible.