Capstone Trust Partners With University of Birmingham

Capstone Care Leavers Trust manager, Zoe Greenwood recently attended the first (of many, hopefully) networking event at the University of Birmingham to celebrate their Outreach programme.

The Care Leaver Scholarship Scheme supports young people who are care experienced access further education. The Capstone Trust were invited along as a founding partner of the programme, whereby they sponsored a care experienced young person through his Sports Science Degree, and providing that all important support where they have no backing from home.

With that young person now on the cusp of graduating, Zoe felt the day was an emotional one.

“Because of all of the updates of progress that the university have provided us, I really do feel like a proud parent.”

The board of trustees from the Capstone Trust, have been so inspired by the incredible progress of this young person they have decided to continue with the scholarship scheme and confirmed a second student to sponsor through their Account & Finance degree, in Sept 2022.

While sponsorship from the trust is crucial for enabling care experienced  young people to access further education, it is the Universities Care Leaver Scholarship that provides the wrap around support to keep their young people happy in their studies. They provide year round accommodation, peer support groups, sign post to helpful organisations and have a Guild of Students.

The day was an aspirational one, a celebration of the potential of care experienced young people and all that they can achieve. They heard from one young carer, part of the Outreach programme, who spoke on the day of some recent work experience, one of her takeaways resonating with those in attendance.

“Do not fear rejection, fear regret.”

Our young people never fail to inspire. Speaking of inspirational young people, Zoe was also delighted to meet up with Trust recipient, Zaynab, who is preparing to open the doors of her charity. 

You can find out more about the Capstone Care Leavers Trust on their website, or to learn more about fostering with Capstone and supporting a young person to their full potential, give the team a call on 0800 012 4004.