Laidlaw Foundation and Trinity announce new scholarship programme for women in business
Posted on: 13 December 2021
The Laidlaw Foundation and Trinity College Dublin have today [13, December, 2021] announced a new scholarship programme entitled Pathways for Women in Business – Empowering women in business through higher education. In partnership with the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP), these scholarships are intended to help talented and ambitious women whose educational trajectories have been limited. The programme will empower these women to access higher education and to progress to successful careers in business.
Established in 1993, Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) forms a key element of the social mission of Trinity College Dublin and has a highly successful track record of working with schools, teachers, and communities to increase participation in third-level education by people from under-represented groups. TAP is acknowledged as a world leader in addressing educational disadvantage.
The scholarships will enable 30 diverse and exceptional women, from lower socio-economic groups to study in Trinity College Dublin. As well as strengthening its scholarships for women, TAP will develop, build, and embed initiatives to support female leadership, including skills development programmes and career workshops over a three-year period.
The Laidlaw Foundation has a proven track record in the education of the underprivileged and underrepresented in order to break the cycle of poverty, reduce inequality and develop a new generation of leaders. Laidlaw Scholars join a global network of scholars, and using the online expert platform, they will be able to connect and collaborate with ambitious peers and share their expertise with others in the Laidlaw community, to help develop the next generation of ethical and diverse leaders.
Susanna V. Kempe, CEO of the Laidlaw Foundation and Chair of Laidlaw Schools Trust commented: “This programme extends our successful Women in Business Scholarships at London Business School and Oxford’s Saïd Business School to undergraduates. Trinity’s fantastic track record in addressing educational disadvantage makes them the perfect partner for us as we strive to transform lives through providing world class education and propel more women into leadership roles.”
Lord Laidlaw added: “I have been a strong supporter of Trinity College Dublin for many years. Adding these Scholarships builds on my commitment to the University and the community. I am delighted that we are able to invest in this programme and the futures that it will create.”
Provost Linda Doyle commented: “The Pathways for Women in Business programme is a fantastic initiative, providing women with the opportunity to embark on successful business and entrepreneurial careers. By partnering with the Laidlaw Foundation, our Trinity Access Programme will now have an even greater impact in widening third-level participation for under-represented groups. I thank everyone involved in the development of this scholarship programme and I am looking forward to seeing how its participants will benefit in so many ways.”
The Laidlaw Foundation’s support of the Pathways for Women in Business programme marks the continuation of a meaningful and successful partnership with Trinity that will prove life-changing for many women. It is hoped that the ripple effect of this intervention will also be felt within their families and communities and the University.