Caribbean food firm Grace Foods starts scholarship

09-Apr-2017 - Last updated on 10-Apr-2017 at 10:18 GMT

Grace Foods launched a scholarship with Brunel University, London

Caribbean food manufacturer Grace Foods has launched a scholarship programme with Brunel University, London, in a bid to boost the number of male British students with a Caribbean background studying at UK universities.

The scholarship, launched in partnership with social enterprise Reach Society, will include paying one third of a student’s total tuition fees across three years. Brunel University will pay the remaining two thirds, meaning a full waiver of fees for the student.

Grace Foods will also provide a paid internship of up to 10 weeks at the end of a student’s first or second year.

The manufacturer’s md Adam Reader said: “We pride ourselves on enabling people of all ages to realise their potential and ambitions. We are delighted to be giving a student the opportunity to benefit from a place at one of London’s most prestigious universities.”

‘The Grace Foods and Reach Society Scholarship’

The scholarship will be known as The Grace Foods and Reach Society Scholarship. It will come into effect at the beginning of the next academic year, beginning in September.

Reach Society chairman Dwain Neil said: “Creating outstanding opportunities for bright young people from the UK black community is one of the key components of our work as a social enterprise. We are also delighted to be collaborating with both Grace Foods and Brunel University London to provide more social mobility opportunities.

“Grace Foods will commit to funding one third of the cost of the undergraduate’s annual fees for up to three years, although students undertaking courses including a year’s placement can also apply.”

‘Many opportunities’

Brunel University director Clive Gee said: “The award allows the university to support a talented student and attract more students from a Caribbean background to make use of the many opportunities we have to offer, while building a relationship with a large and prestigious employer Grace Foods, and a leading community group Reach Society.”

Grace Foods – owner of the Aloe, Dunn’s River and Coconut Water brands – supplies Britain’s biggest supermarkets, as well as retailers Iceland, Budgens and Waitrose.

Meanwhile, cereal manufacturer Kellogg launched an apprenticeship recruitment drive last month.