In a bid to break down barriers to accessing extracurricular activities, YUSU are committed to providing financial support for those who need it.
YUSU has secured funding for this scheme through YuFund, the University, and alumni.
The funding allows for more students to get involved in societies, media groups, volunteering projects, sports clubs, and college sports teams than ever before.
In an email from YUSU’s Activities Officer, Rohan Ashar, it was revealed that students can receive up to £80 towards memberships for an unlimited number of activities, as well as having access to an additional £80 to cover participation costs, such as kit and transport costs.
The Activities Officer said:
“YUSU and I firmly believe that every student should be able to access extracurricular activities. We’re determined to break down any barriers, and one of the ways to do that is through providing financial support for those who need it. Therefore, I’m very proud to say that we’ve not only reinstated the Activities Access Grants, but we’ve managed to expand various parts of the criteria as well!”
Individuals can apply for both the membership reimbursement and the participation costs reimbursement, totalling £160. However, the cost must be split £80/£80 between the two.
Vision spoke to Rohan Ashar on the impact of the grants:
“We’re very proud that we’ve not only reinstated the Activities Access Grants, but we’ve managed to expand various parts of the criteria as well.
“The main ways in which growth occurred this year are that the number of groups/activities towards which people can get membership reimbursements is now unlimited instead of capped, we’ve clarified the definition of an independent student to ensure we’re clearly including those who are estranged and care experienced, the maximum household income has increased from £35,000 to £42,875 per annum, and we’ve introduced some new evidence mechanisms. The latter two points are interrelated and ensure that the Activities Access Grants also apply effectively to student parents and carers.
“Ultimately, the impact that these changes are set to have is that the Activities Access Grants will positively affect a larger number of students than ever before who might need financial help. The revised maximum household income particularly means that we are able to match similar developmental schemes on this aspect (therefore furthering the options for how we can receive evidence) and the percentage rise in this criterion is actually higher than inflation currently, signifying that we are considering the Cost of Living crisis within the alterations to this project.
“Since the Grant’s inception in 2018, YUSU staff have revisited the criteria and extended the scope of the project each year. The goal is always for the scheme to be as accessible as possible whilst allowing us to gather appropriate evidence so that we can facilitate it. Our fundamental wish at YUSU is that all types of people across the student population have similar opportunities to participate in Activities, Sports, and more.”
Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis and applications are open until 24th June 2023 or before if all the funding is awarded.
To apply and for full details, check out the Activities Access Grant 22/23 application form