University offers £5,000 for students who can “change the world”

• Two in five (40%) young people say money is the biggest barrier stopping them from acting on causes they are passionate about

• The University of Law has launched a £5,000 fund to empower students to make change 

New research reveals 40% of young Brits1 believe money is the biggest inhibitor to them making a difference with causes they are passionate about, while 46% feel their generation isn’t listened to. 

The research marks the launch of the Change the World Fund by The University of Law (ULaw), an initiative offering £5,000 alongside mentorship, to empower students to affect change, be that through lobbying, a charitable initiative or a new business venture. 

The new insight reveals that despite wanting to make a difference in the world, the UK’s youth are cautious of obstacles that could prevent them from doing so. More than four out of five (84%) 18-25 year-olds said they do not have the money or expertise to do more to change the world, despite nearly half (47%) agreeing that people in their age group are the ones who can make the biggest differences in the world. 

ULaw reveals the top five issues 18 to 25-year-olds would like to change:

1. Climate Change (24%)

2. Racism (21%)

3. Poverty (14%)

4. Child health and education (6%) Gender equality (6%) Terrorism (6%)

5. Major global health issues (e.g. communicable diseases) (5%)

Outside the top five, other causes identified by 18 to 25 years-olds include water scarcity (1%), habitat and biodiversity issues (2%) and LGBTQ+ rights (4%). 

As part of the University’s Change the World Fund, current ULaw students and those preparing to start at the University in September, are encouraged to submit their ideas on how they can create change around a cause or business idea they’re passionate about. One winner will be chosen by a panel chaired by the university’s CEO and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrea Nollent, and will receive £5,000 to invest in their initiative, as well as ongoing support and mentoring from ULaw faculty and alumni.

Professor Nollent said:

 

“Our research has highlighted how important issues such as racism, climate change and poverty are to our younger generation, yet this generation clearly feels as though they don’t have a voice or a platform to make a change. Those issues are not UK-exclusive, so it’s very empowering to see that there are so many young people pushing for change across the world.

“The aim of our Change the World Fund is to help make a difference by finding those young voices amongst our students and encouraging them to use that voice, by sharing their ideas and thoughts on how we can help tackle issues such as climate change and gender equality. 

“We’re hopeful that we can find some creative and innovative people and ideas from our campaign and, working together, we can change the world.”