2020 IMPACT REPORT See me, I’m the guy you see walk into the shop and See me immediately think something is about to happen. See me, I’m the guy you think is bunking school to run county lines.

See me, I’m the guy you would think has no creditable qualifications to my name.

See me, I’m the guy you see with a bunch of other guys that look like me, and think trouble is about to ensue.

See me, I’m the guy who you see with pants halfway down my bum and assume I have no home training.

See me, I’m the guy who is always angry and is a nuisance to society.

What you don’t see is, I’m the guy who has a stable job and is living comfortably.

What you don’t see is, I’m the guy who has 100% attendance and is head boy.

What you don’t see is, I’m the guy who achieved a first in his degree and is currently completing his Masters.

What you don’t see is, the group of people that look like me that have all been offered places at Russell Group Universities.

What you don’t see is, I’m the guy who has my own business and has various streams of income rolling in.

What you don’t see is, I’m the guy who runs workshops for excluded youth to ensure they get back onto the right path.

So next time you see a guy like me, don’t presume the worst, I might be the guy you run to when redundancy knocks on your door, or when your life is on the line.

Elisha Peters Amos Bursary Scholar, 2020 Cohort 3

The trustees Sarah Ebanja, Chair and CEO The Tottenham Contents See me Hotspur Foundation Pamela Clarke, Assistant Head of Law, SLLP Richard Butler, Portfolio Construction Analyst, Global Fixed income, Allianz Global Investors Introduction 5

Stephen Brookes, Head of Corporate Affairs, Making an impact 6 King Solomon International Business School

Yane Amos, Head of Sixth Form, Our new now 12 Petchey Academy Giving back 17 Colleen Amos OBE, CEO and Co-founder the Amos Bursary Memories of the pandemic 18

Patrons Alumni updates 20 Baroness Valerie Amos of Brondesbury, Partners providing access 24 Master, University College Oxford

Baron Alli of Norbury, Media Entrepreneur Our sponsors 27 Baroness Doreen Massey, Education Advisor and Philanthropist

Baron Hastings of Scarisbrick, Chancellor of Regent's University London, Professor of Leadership Stephen R Covey Leadership Centre, Huntsman Business School.

Baron Mitchell of Hampstead, Entrepreneur Lady Hannah Lowry-Mitchell, Film-Maker and Philanthropist

Colin Salmon, Actor Diane Henry Lepart, Managing Director of FEND Capital Partners Limited

Gerry DeVeaux, Songwriter, Producer and Fashion Guru

Heather Kerzner, Entrepreneur and Socialite Jonathan Sorrell, President of Capstone Kwame Kwei Amah, Actor, Playwright and Director

Michael Prest, Oil entrepreneur Tom Shropshire, Partner, Linklaters LLP 4 IMPACT REPORT 2020

As the Chair, I am My thanks to our alumni, mentors, This year’s Amos Bursary Impact volunteers, parents, supporters, Report demonstrates yet again proud to present patrons and organisations who the important role of the Bursary have supported us during this time in helping to unleash talent, grow our Impact Report of transformation. confidence and inspire success. Our students go from strength to Our students and graduates strength and crucially give back. for 2020. have continued to excel with outstanding results this year. This As we wrestle with the long term report demonstrates how they consequences of the coronavirus are making the most of every pandemic they remind us that the opportunity, achieving academic inspiration, courage and hope we excellence, giving back to the need for a better future are there. community, and continuing to We just need to harness it. Thank normalise success for themselves you Amos Bursary students. and their peers. Baroness Valerie Amos, Patron and Our partners and sponsors Co-founder, The Amos Bursary have continued to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusivity adapting and providing our young people with opportunities to develop and grow. This is our last report as a charity exclusively for young men. During the last 11 years, they have set the standard for the future and given the board the confidence to expand our offer. We will open our doors to young women in 2021, and we look forward to an exciting year ahead.

Sarah Ebanja, Chair, The Amos Bursary 5

Introduction

The young men achieved new heights in 2020 with 50% awarded First Class honours in their degrees. A fitting end to 11 years as a charity exclusively for young men.

2020 has been a year where The Amy Cooper incident, Covid-19 impacted every home George Floyd’s killing, and across the world. Families lost Black Lives Matter protests and loved ones, the global economy campaigns have changed the spun into turmoil, unemployment world. We have witnessed some levels rose. On top of that GDP of the most engaged, passionate fell dramatically, with record and determined anti-racism broad-based drops in output protests and calls-to-action in for production, services and recent memory. construction. For the first time in These incidents began a nearly three decades companies transformation of the UK in have had to re-think every aspect many ways, and the Bursary of how they do business. Students was able to prosper amidst who had worked hard to prepare adversity. The last nine months for GCSE and A-level exams had of 2020 showed us the appetite to depend on algorithms to that people have to make Colleen Amos OBE, CEO and Co-founder, determine their destiny. a difference. Hundreds of The Amos Bursary The Lockdowns and our inability individuals and organisations to meet together meant that generously donated to everyone had to review all aspects the Bursary, many of them of their social and working lives, answering the call to action with technology taking on even made by Matthew Ryder QC greater significance. We all to support The AMOS Bursary embraced the knowledge that as an organisation addressing the world had changed irrevocably, inequality in education and and we needed to prepare for a employment. new normal. In 2021 we will be able to We knew that the impact on young make a real step change as a people would be severe. Graduate consequence of the introduction jobs have already been cut by of new sponsors and partners. 12%. Internships and placements Our growth will be built on the by 40% and job offers made prior strong foundations of the last to COVID-19 were not secure, eleven years. We will remain with September seeing many true to our vision and values and employers delaying start dates. extend further the quality and reach of our services and our What do the next few years look 2020 has been impact on the community. like? Competition for internships a year like no other and employment will be fiercer than ever. It is even more imperative that students gain the skills and personal development crucial for the workplace, that The AMOS Bursary provides. 6 IMPACT REPORT 2020

Making an impact

Outreach for Oxbridge students

AMOS Bursary developed its relationship with the charity Insight Outreach (IO), working in partnership to jointly address underrepresentation in the Oxbridge application and success rate of Black African- Caribbean students. In 2019, four students secured places on the OMS Insight Outreach programme. On the 30th November, 2019 Amos and the remainder are now Bursary Oxbridge applicants were A* for Amos Bursary students attending Russell Groups/Redbrick invited to attend an Interview Universities (Birmingham, Bristol preparation workshop, held in This year AMOS Bursary Students Essex, Exeter, Imperial College central London. It was pleasing achieved outstanding A level London, Loughborough, Kent, to see that ten AMOS Bursary results. For two years they worked King’s College London, London students attended, engaged and hard for their A levels and for School of Economics, Manchester, gave personal feedback on the the majority of the students the Queen Mary London, Sheffield, day-long workshop. algorithms did not impact their Surrey, University College London results and their successes were and Warwick). well deserved. For the first year, Michael Kale 80% of the students achieved one of our students will be their grades to secure their first employed by Dyson on the higher or second choice university apprenticeship degree scheme places. seven students secured where he will be studying at places at Oxbridge Universities Warwick University part-time.

Cohort Intake Oxbridge Other Redbrick Post BPP Higher Other year Russell 1992 Apprenticeship Group

2019 23 7 8 5 1 2 (Start university 25% 36% 27% 4% 8% 2020)

2019 Total 1st choice 2nd choice Retake/Gap year Higher (Start apprenticeship university 2020) 23 18 2 2 1

78% 9% 9% 4%

See Appendix for the list of Universities MAKING AN IMPACT 7

Towards the end of August, Adam’s story Adam sent me a message that read, ‘I am going ahead to retake As CEO of The AMOS Bursary, it is the exams. I have been preparing not always smooth sailing. There all summer in case of something are ups and downs. like this and I feel confident. I am extremely proud of the I know I can augment my grades young men in The AMOS tremendously and do not want Bursary who daily demonstrate these false grades to encumber how resilient our young people me to such an extent’. are, and as CEO I would like to November the 30th I received share a story with you. The story another message, ‘Good afternoon of a young man who in 2020 Colleen, I got AAA in my Autumn represents what The AMOS A-level exams in Economics, Maths Bursary stands for and is trying and Physics.’ to do. The pride I felt for him was Adam Aboim, 2019 Cohort Adam had initially been an immense. He said, ‘my hard Associate student, who was work this summer in lockdown determined to show us that he paid off’. He has demonstrated should be on the full scholar that dreams do not work unless programme. He attended all the you do, and he has not allowed opportunities made available to anything he could control him in 2019 and he finally secured to stand in his way. Adam his place. demonstrated the qualities Do not judge me In early 2020 he received an offer we look for in AMOS students; of a place at one of the top London the hunger to learn new skills, by my successes, universities. His predicted grades the courage to take risks, to based on his mocks were not as recognise and take responsibility judge me by how good as he expected, but he was for our mistakes. confident that he would be able The defining moment for me in to correct this during the exams. many times I fell 2020 will always be that message Then COVID-19 landed and the I received on 30th November when combination of the algorithms and and got back up he received his results. He exhibits his predicted grades meant that he my hope for the future and I look lost the place. Indeed, his grades again. forward to 2021 with confidence in limited his choice of university our young people. places significantly. We encouraged him to explore all of his options.

New students on board

Fifteen students joined us in 2020. Their parents attended the induction to learn about the Amos Bursary and how they could help their young men going forward. 8 IMPACT REPORT 2020

Antonya Allen, Mentor and Associate Lead Isaac Diarrassouba, 2020 Cohort Jesse Panda, 2020 Cohort

Expanding our support I have moved from a life in care support him with his application. and poverty to an elite education ‘He gave me some great advice The AMOS Associates programme and a professional job, so I simply and connected me with a friend has enabled The AMOS Bursary must not pull the ladder up behind of his who is studying engineering to support a larger and broader me. It worked out, with the support there. That helped me so much group of students. These students of wonderful foster parents and an with preparing for my interview.’ are supported by advisers, alumni Oxbridge education, that anything Jesse was also able to ask one and University students. Recent is possible. Mentoring with AMOS is of our alumni, Isaiah Lynn, for sponsorship by organisations simply an opportunity to share that guidance when writing his personal has enabled many associates to with others who are often far more statement. ‘Isaiah helped me transfer onto the main programme. academic and certainly better organise my achievements, make behaved than I was at a similar age. Antonya Allen has been supporting them clear and concise, and stand This charity is Pandaaspirational, the AMOS Associates since 2019 out to the reader. He had no and the support offered to providing group mentoring services. problem taking time out of his life mentors and the young men on to help me.’ Isaac Diarrassouba has been an the Bursary is exceptional. If similar AMOS Associate since 2019 one organisations existed across the Jesse has also been very active of Antonya’s many successes. He board, we would not be having the in his community during the said, ‘Antonya has been a massive same conversations about social pandemic. Last year, he taught help to my successful Cambridge mobility (or lack thereof) that we himself to use an electric sewing application. Not only did she have been having for years. They are machine and made face masks organise sessions for me to learn change-makers.’ for his family and neighbours. more about the process and speak Antonya Allen, UBS ‘When you want to help out, the to current students, but she also best thing is to do something offered me a lot of advice too. you love. I love helping people, She has helped me to find some and I really enjoy sewing. So I sources of funding for my studies was happy to make masks for my and I am very thankful for that.’ Jesse’s story local community centre.’ Jesse volunteered at Oasis Hub Summer When asked about what For Jesse Panda, the AMOS Bursary Sessions too, prepping lunches and mentoring means to her, she has been a gateway to a supportive packing groceries for local families said, ‘Mentoring with The AMOS community he can always rely on. in need. Bursary has been no less than life- ‘It’s like a family,’ Jesse explains. changing. Every young man I have Last October, we were pleased to ‘There are so many role models, met through the scheme has been see Jesse receive The Association and it’s reassuring to know that exceptional – academically, socially of Jamaican Nationals Be Inspired I can always go to the tutors and mature beyond their years. Youth Award, for his incredible for advice about anything. That Their aim is simply to have a place volunteering. Jesse said, ‘It was so environment is so important, and at the table in the professional amazing to win the award. I was it really helps you do your best.’ world, accessed through the best also very proud that the Bursary universities. They come from loving Jesse told us about his aspirations had nominated me for the prize.’ homes but lack the contacts and to study engineering at Cambridge confidence of young people who University, so we introduced come from families with wealth him to one of our alumni – who and connections. is currently studying there – to MAKING AN IMPACT 9

Our doctor is practising at a Graduating students London Hospital, Goldman Sachs and tech consultancy Sparta It has been another incredible year Global. Three students will with 100% of students achieving a spend the next year working on first or upper second-class degree; their start-ups, before taking up of which 50% achieved a first-class graduate positions in 2021. honours degree and one student Treasure Oleyade said, ‘The AMOS qualified as a medical doctor. Bursary gave us the opportunity to Our young men worked hard learn about the intricacies of ‘the giving up their weekends, evenings game’. In mainstream education, and holidays to participate in the no-one is teaching you how to think five-year programme. Through a on your feet when presented with Kes Ecclestone, Middlesex University targeted approach focused on opportunities. So when the Bursary skills development, supportive took the time to give us mentors, set mentorship and networking up Saturday sessions and Ambition Kes’s Story we have not only narrowed the Events where we could learn the attainment gap at university, but art of networking and following up; Kes Eccleston is the first we have surpassed it and opened public speaking; creating an elevator recipient of the Architecture up employment opportunities pitch and more; it made sense Photography Fund. Over on graduation. to learn, as an opportunity could the next year, Kes will be present itself at any time.’ At a time when government mentored by architect Luke figures show serious disparities in Remel Anno-Barnieh said, ‘I have O’Donovon as he produces an academic attainment between been an AMOS Bursary Scholar architectural portfolio on the white and black students, with only since 2015 and have benefited derelict spaces surrounding 56% of black students achieving a from a programme of activities redevelopment areas. first or upper second-class honours, around personal development, Kes is a 2nd year fine arts compared to 80% of their white mentoring and professional work student at Middlesex University. peers, the impact of the Bursary experience. Due to the numerous Luke O’Donovon set up the in nurturing talent and promoting opportunities offered to us through Fund to support an aspiring excellence, has never been clearer. the the Bursary, I have been able young photographer, from an to intern every summer since Currently, Black male graduates in unrepresented background, 2017. One of those opportunities London are nearly twice as likely in producing their first major entailed work experience in New to be unemployed as their white architectural work, and to help York for one month.’ counterparts and there are concerns kick start their creative career. that this figure will rise, given the We encourage students to grasp Kes will be working towards challenges to the economy from the opportunities while they were finishing his project for the coronavirus pandemic. at university and we are confident June 2021. they will continue to contribute AMOS Bursary graduating students to the Bursary, sharing their have secured places on graduate knowledge and experience with schemes at Barings and Barclays. younger students in the future.

Top left: Treasure, Lohan, Qasim, Remel, George and Keadeish Bottom left: Isaiah, Joseph, Oshotse, Kwarteng, K’Ci, Opoyemi 10 IMPACT REPORT 2020

Graduating students

Name University Qualification Future Plans

Dr Kwarteng Sarfo Imperial College Medical Doctor Currently practising at a London London Hospital

Joseph Simeon University College 1st Class Honours, Chemical PJT Partners graduate London Engineer ing MEng scheme from summer 2021

Isaiah Lynn University College BSC Anthropology with a year London Interdisciplinary London abroad at Harvard School – Faculty Member

Lohan Morrison Warwick University 1st Class Honours, Barclays, graduate scheme Economics

Remel Nottingham University 1st Class Honours Chemical Barings, graduate scheme Anno-Barnieh Engineering MEng

K’Ci Beckford Essex University 1st Class Honours, BSc UBS, Full Stack Software Computer Science Engineer

George Imafidon University College 1st Class Honours, Master of Co-founder at Motivez London Engineering (Mechanical) and Board Member at The Hamilton Commission

Keadeish Morrison Leicester University Upper Second-Class Co-founder Garmcollector Honours, Ancient History and Archaeology

Qasim Barrow University College Upper Second-Class Co-founder, Ignite Network, London Honours, Master of Civil 2021 PwC, Strategy & Engineering Corporate Strategy

Treasure Oleyade Warwick University Upper Second-Class 2021 graduate scheme Honours, Master of Investec Engineering (with Honours, in Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering)

Timothy Oluwole Bath University Upper Second-Class Tech Consultancy, Sparta Honours, BSc Computer Global Science

Opoyemi Popoola Manchester University Upper Second-Class Gap year before Honours, Philosophy, Politics postgraduate study and Economics

Oshotsi Aliu BPP Professional Upper Second-Class Barings graduate scheme University Honours, Law MAKING AN IMPACT 11

Victor Azubuike Michael Kolawole, University of Cambridge

Sigourney Hove, Student Lead for the young Spencer Bailey, student at LSE Victor’s book club women Alumni Victor Azubuike set up the Amos Bursary AMOS Sisters on the way Determination rewarded book club in May and it has become the centre In December 2019 we secured Spencer Bailey and Adam Aboim for discussion and debate funding to develop and introduce, began as Associates and made the among the participating for the first time in our history, most of the opportunities offered students. Victor said, ‘We young women onto The AMOS to them between February and select books to read and Bursary programme. Applications December 2019. Their record was they become the catalyst opened in November and by exemplary and in December their for discussion. As a group February 2021 we will have our determination was rewarded. They we are learning and first integrated programme of were transferred onto the main growing together’. young women and men. This at programme due to sponsorship a time when the world requires from Barings. Michael Kolawole said, women in the fields of technology, ‘Being a part of the AB From the very first workshop crisis economics, public health, Book Club has helped me I attended, I realized that I engineering, creative arts and understand the value of had stepped into an incredible communications, all crucial and reading in how it can be camaraderie of young Black men,’ vital for building future resilience a tool to shape your world said Spencer Bailey, currently for the world. view. It has been a great studying at the London School opportunity to share my The breaking news campaign of Economics. ‘Moreover, the thoughts and hear the was launched in November and confidence that I gained from unique perspectives of featured AMOS Bursary Board just the workshops demonstrated others in the club’. member Richard Butler and that joining this group was far Committee member Sigourney more beneficial than I could have Victor does a great job of Hove along with students Antonay imagined. steering the conversation

Thomas, Mohammed Mahmoud, Spencer Bailey, LSE in a way that provokes Elisha Peters and Robert Kamara. meaningful discussion, as Richard then confirms and Adam Aboim had a similar well as allowing it to be a Sigourney reinforces the message. sentiment. ‘I was overcome with space for relaxation and Leon Gidigbi finally welcomes excitement when I transferred good vibes. young women to the Bursary and from the Associate programme encourages them to apply. This to become a full scholar on The was followed by a series of videos AMOS Bursary programme. I with AMOS Bursary students and was thrilled at being given what alumni sharing their AMOS Bursary felt like a second chance.’ He stories; namely Antonay Thomas, said, ‘Being exposed to training Read, Ayo Olubode, Daniel Beckley, David sessions such as elevator pitches, Kennedy, Dylan Kawende, Kai assessment centres, personal Become articulate, Moore, Kamaal Busari, Kwarteng branding amongst others, has Sarfo, Nana Osei-Kofi, Olamide been inconceivably Transform the Olorunfemi, Robert Kamara and eye-opening.’ Roland Beckley. Adam Aboim, Gap year World. The campaign was extremely successful with over 420 applicants overall. 12 IMPACT REPORT 2020

Our new now

Since March, we have embraced Zoom and throughout the year held over 50 virtual sessions for our students. Apart from the regular learning and development programme, our corporate partners provided opportunities to attend career insight sessions.

During 2020 most students were Russell Investment ran a session unable to attend any internships on CV writing and interview skills; due to COVID-19. Corporate Unilever on understanding FMCG partners stepped up and offered markets; CNBC Business News, alternative opportunities. Barings and Schroders led on financial investment. Students interested in Law took part in a week-long virtual internship held by Linklaters. OUR NEW NOW 13

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS The Amos Bursary Virtual Annual Youth Leadership Conference 17 July 2020

The AMOS Bursary Virtual Annual Bursary journey from sixth form to Youth Leadership Conference graduating in the summer of 2020. took place on the 17 July 2020. They shared their stories about The theme of the conference was SEIZING THE MOMENT. SEIZE THE MOMENT. The conference made an impact The event was hosted by Remel on students in a variety of ways. Anno-Barnieh and technical support This was the first conference for was provided by K’Ci Beckford, year 12, AMOS Associate student, both of them recent graduates Dejaun James and he said, ‘This who had received 1st class honours conference has given me an degrees in Chemical Engineering in-depth insight into how as a and Computer Science respectively. Black Caribbean male in a white- The conference was thought- dominated society I can ‘Seize the provoking and explored why it is World’. It helped see how I can take important to ‘seize the moment’ up every opportunity given and and how as future leaders young how I shouldn’t let my ideologies people can contribute to the be silenced by anyone. The changing world agenda and use presentation by James Frater was their strength, resilience and the most influential for me and character to pursue their dreams. taught me that it doesn’t matter The speakers shared their different about the colour of your skin or experiences demonstrating how your social background but being they made a tremendous impact persistent and putting your mind From top left to right: Lord Hastings, on their community and society as to your goals will help you get to Tessy Ojo OBE, Tonie Leatherberry, a whole. where you want to go.’ Paul Gurney, Kenny Imafidon, James Frater Lord Hastings gave the global Andre Deen-Swaray said, ‘The perspective and drew on historical session with Tonie Leatherberry concepts and anecdotes to link was not only a session that with the world today. Tessy Ojo resonated with me due to personal reinforced the importance of experiences but gave me a way seizing the moment to illustrate to sharpen my focus and find a how she became CEO of the Diana method to clarify a blurry vision. Trust. Paul Gurney was able to She made three points that will demonstrate using sporting greats, stay with me, how they seized the moment and 1. Community: where will I fit best the character traits they all had, and make the greatest impact? which ultimately contributed to their success. Bringing the USA 2. Character: how will I align perspective to the conference was my career choices to my Tonie Leatherberry. James Frater values – what’s the culture of (King’s College, London) pressed the organisation? home the significance of seizing 3. Courage: when will I rise to the moment and Kenny Imafidon the occasion? (AMOS Bursary alumni and CEO Clearview Research) shared For me, the concept of courage his experiences and tips as an is imperative as it convicts us to entrepreneur. He also led the panel carry out what we believe in and discussion with six AMOS students, therefore execute our vision. Which which kept the energy high and is something I’ll try and develop as content relevant. I grow.’ The young men, Treasure Oyelade, We are looking forward to our next Lohan Morrison, Remel Anno- conference in 2021. Barneih, Qasim Barrow, Oshotse Andre Deen-Swaray, Alliu and George Imafidon, had Reading University recently completed The AMOS 14 IMPACT REPORT 2020

The business of sport Immersed in creativity

Sport is Big business. In February A COVID-19 safe, Immersion Day Lamin Tarawally AB scholar hosted was held for students in their the Amos Termly Community penultimate and final year at event. Edwin Lamptey, Portfolio University, who were interested in Analyst, Multi-asset, at Schroders careers at Unilever or advertising. Investment Management, spoke Seun Sontan said ‘we were on behalf of Schroders who held invited by Unilever and Lynx to the event at their offices. The their filming of ‘The Race Card’, Lamin Tarawally Amos Bursary Community evening Seun Sontan, in collaboration with Complex University East brought together over 150 AB Anglia UK. We had a behind the scenes students, associates , parents, look while the production was mentors, friends and supporters for taking place and also were given an evening of information sharing talks by representatives of the and networking. Advertising agency and Unilever. We took part in group tasks and Our speakers, included; Sarah had the opportunity to speak Ebanja, CEO of the Tottenham with professional footballer Hotspur Foundation, Rob Tate , Jesse Lingard. Governance Manager at UK Sport, Rodney Hinds, Sports Editor, the Seun used the opportunity to Voice, Philip Jacobson, former demonstrate his own artistic Advertising Consultant, Nike. skills by producing a video of the They shared their experiences students’ experience. working in the business of sport Samantha Sullivan, Unilever said and talked about the many career ‘The day was a complete success. opportunities that exist. The students were amazing and impressed everyone who was there: We were pleased to provide the students with the chance to hear speakers from a multitude of companies who came to share their journeys and experience – each of these parties expressed praise for the students, for their insightful questions and reflections, their energy and their enthusiasm.’

Report by Seun Sontan, University of East Anglia OUR NEW NOW 15

Introduction to the Civil Keeping on top of Tech-Web Service Summit 2020

The Civil Service has a wide range The AMOS Bursary was invited to of influential and challenging attend Web Summit 2020. Mentor career opportunities available to and Guardian Journalist Patrick graduates studying a wide range Greenfield made the introduction of subjects, through the Fast and Darrell Adjei, AMOS Alumni, Stream and the associated Early co-ordinated student participation. Diversity Internship Programme Joseph Simeon Web Summit is a global summit (EDIP). Workshops were held to aiming to bring together people introduce students to the many and companies redefining the careers on offer. global tech industry. Seventeen The sessions were led by Brian of our scholars took up this Stanislas, Product Manager for the opportunity, securing places Civil Service; with special guest worth £1000s. The event included Phillip Wilson, Chief Psychologist a mixture of talks and breakout and Chief Assessor, Civil Service sessions from titans of industries Fast Stream. There is nothing including Margrethe Vestager better than the participation of (European Commission president); young civil servants and we were Eric Yuan (Zoom Founder & joined by Calvin Ngwena, Israel CEO) and even Serena Williams Gichaara and Elliot Roofe sharing (Professional Tennis Player). their journeys and experiences as Themes discussed included: young civil servants Fintech and Commerce, and AI. Below are quotes from two of the boys that attended: I am grateful to have attended A bright future the WebSummit. As a future- minded global citizen, the The Bright Future, Year 12, African conference was a unique and Caribbean Virtual Conference opportunity to learn directly from hosted by King’s College London leading politicians, founders and and The AMOS Bursary, took change makers. Taking from the place in August. It aimed to give innovative approaches people students a head start in their use to solve ‘wicked problems’, future careers and was attended I already see how these work by over 150 students. processes can be practical in Darrel Adjei, Alumni my own life. I was also able to Google Deepmind increase my passing interest in city design and learn more about Virtual open days with niche industries. Thank you to The AMOS Alumni AMOS Bursary for kindly enabling me to take part.

Nothing beats visiting schools and Joseph Simeon, 2015 Cohort, venues and sharing our stories UCL Chemical Engineering graduate, in person, but because that Analyst at a financial services firm was not possible during these unusual times, we held our first Virtual Open Day in December. The event was well attended and allowed interested students the opportunity to find out about what we offer, meet some of our students and alumni and ask any questions. 16 IMPACT REPORT 2020

Web Summit was a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity to The past making sense of hear directly from giants in the present tech, business and activism. I thoroughly enjoyed the Robin Walker, former teacher, masterclasses with leading historian and leading black history companies like Google and educational specialist (aka The Amazon that equipped me Black History Man), ran three with skills to tackle the move sessions which focused on: to remote working. It was also fantastic to be part of the Q&As 1. Black British history and how Dylan Kawende, with the likes of Mark Cuban, Samuel it relates to and impacts the University of Omiye-Adeolu, current generation Cambridge Jessica Alba and Sadiq Khan. University of Bristol They had so much practical 2. What should black students at wisdom to impart on subjects university be doing with their like building a start-up, mental time? – understanding how well-being and engaging to leverage university and the in politics. benefit for the student and Dylan Kawande, 2014 Cohort, UCL the community Graduate/Cambridge Postgrad, Law 3. Financial intelligence and the importance of entrepreneurship

Robin’s talk gave me a refreshing Diversity, inclusion and and open perspective on money, equality top the agenda a usually taboo subject to discuss in public. The murder of George Floyd, As university students we have the Amy Cooper incident and a larger than average ‘degree the Black Lives Matter Campaign, of freedom’ (no pun intended) led to increased reflection and to explore countless paths. This discussion among students. It also free-bird mentality combined led to increased support for the with readily accessible funds – be Bursary by organisations. it maintenance loan, overdraft, Like many organisations, we or bursaries – can sway us into had to focus on the self-belief, living above our means. Robin self-awareness, wellbeing and urged us to forsake the short-term confidence of our students. Canada Goose for the long-term AMOS facilitator and mentor wealth generation. He helped us Kwaku Nortey led a session see that the first step to Financial where he shared his journey as Freedom is acquiring knowledge, a young black man in corporate whether through books, tutorials, London. This was followed by or experts/gurus. three alumni sessions led by Samuel Omiye-Adeolu, Post Graduate, Isaiah Lynn, and Daniel Anjorin, University of Bristol which allowed students to explore themes around their lives, share experiences and develop solutions and actions all geared toward ensuring they were equipped to handle situations and continue towards achieving their goals. 17

Giving back

You can start changing our world for the better daily, no matter how small the action.

If you’ve got an idea, go do it!

When Muhammad Mahmoud first saw the videos of an explosion in Lebanon, he felt it was his duty as a Muslim to help. He organized a solo bike ride from Birmingham to London and raised over £2,500 in the space of five days. He said ‘I am extremely fortunate to be living in a very safe place. I have shelter, I have a home and I have food on the table, so I thought it was my time to give back. I have done things for Muhammad Mahmoud, year 13 charities before but this was the Gabriel Amida, University of East Anglia biggest thing I have done so far. As Muslims, we are taught to give Facilitating an essay writing back and help people in need. It workshop for The AMOS Bursary is such an important integral part was an educational experience of the religion and you aren’t a which has provided me with Muslim if you aren’t helping people. invaluable information on how My message to young people is if to improve my business’ focus. It you have an idea go do it!’ also exposed an opportunity I had only previously dreamed about. Helping people improve their written and spoken skills could It is what we make First time for everything be done on a much larger scale. By Refining my experiences and out of what we The AMOS Bursary encourages the expertise I could help incoming students to share their skills and students to avoid the mistakes have, not what knowledge with their peers. I made and learn from the experiences I have mastered. In December, Gabriel Amida from we are given, the 2017 AMOS Cohort, ran his first Since the workshop, I have been student workshop. He said, ‘On able to plan and focus my skills that separates reflection over my own studies, on producing material, and I became aware that I wasn’t content which can be used to help one person from alone on many of the issues I had students around me during the encountered when it came to pandemic. Hosting the workshop another. academic writing. This was why was a pleasure and something I began my proofreading business, I would look forward to doing SCRIBE – I wanted to ensure my again in the future.’ experiences were put to use helping those less fortunate than myself, both within and outside the Bursary. 18 IMPACT REPORT 2020

Memories of the pandemic

2020 will forever be a pivotal year for young people. They will remember the year they lost loved ones, their education was disrupted, the prospect of unemployment and the ever- increasing number of students with mental health concerns. We will remember the year our medics stepped up. Their years of training applied to support the NHS in the fight against the global pandemic. Below are our students and medics sharing their thoughts, actions and insights.

I was invited to a peaceful Lockdown – reflections #BlackLivesMatter protest on Tooting Common in the wake of This lockdown has allowed me to the death of George Floyd, Breana do things which are closer to my Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, Daniel heart. More time to check in on Prude and many others as part of distant family and friends. the BAME youth mental health

David Ayeni, Cambridge University organisation #BlackMindsMatter. I performed my speech ‘See Me’ My coping strategy was to continue which talks about how young black doing work and to stay disciplined, men are stereotypically viewed and but still allow time to relax and the potential people are missing. keep fit. I was glad that it caused people to think as listeners told me it caused Oloamide Olurunfemi, Manchester University their perspective on young black men to shift. During the lockdown, I have Olamide Olurunfemi, Manchester University become a part of STAR (Student I was introduced to my AMOS Action for Refugees) at York Bursary mentors, Norbert & Ann, University, using social media to last year. They help me in my raise money and awareness of the education, professional or even work that the charity does. personal matters all whilst being

Shaun Odili, York University kind and genuine with me e.g. they really helped me when I was During the first national lockdown, deciding what degree to do. They I was offered the opportunity are still a massive help and I’m to perform the coin toss for the extremely thankful for them. Wimbledon Tennis finals, however, Elisha Peters, Year 13, 2020 Cohort due to COVID-19 I had to record it from my home as the tennis courts were closed. Just the thought of doing it despite the live audience rattled me and was the cause for so many retakes but I was honoured. MEMORIES OF THE PANDEMIC 19

to two-month placements, where students have the opportunity to experience working as a clinician in self-chosen environments across the globe, often considered as the highlight of the five to six-year course – cancelled. Furthermore, an initial response to COVID-19 saw the majority of medical students practically barred from the clinical environment, as teaching moved from bedside face-to-face to remote online lectures. As we have come to understand Daniel Oluboyode, Cambridge University COVID-19 better, students have Abdel Mahmoud, UCL slowly returned to the clinical environment. However, in the interests of safety, this has been I am a final year medical student Our medics making a with reduced numbers and at University College London (UCL) reduced opportunity to interact but currently based on a year difference with patients. This has undoubtedly placement working at Watford damaged thousands of medical District General Hospital just north The NHS is working very hard to students’ clinical school experience. of London. It has been a strange keep us safe and we would like to and testing time as I am sure it has celebrate and support our Doctors Nonetheless, with challenge been for all. and NHS colleagues. comes opportunity. These have included waking up five minutes As a medical student about to To my knowledge, there has before an online lecture as the graduate in a matter of months, been no time in recent history morning commute has effectively you are in a unique situation as where the UK medical school become bed to desk. Students whilst working in hospitals you curricula has been disrupted have also volunteered their time are still learning. However, you to this extent. Similar to to bolster ongoing NHS efforts can’t get good teaching as all establishments in the private ranging from supporting patient the clinical staff are justifiably and public sectors, SARS-CoV-2 care in ICU departments, to the swamped with work. You also has brought unprecedented vaccine rollout. Furthermore, time can’t practice fully and you aren’t challenges to medical schools. away from hospitals has increased insured/compensated but you Medical schools consist of a opportunity for book learning, are still expected to take part in body of faculty members and a critical aspect of medical the team almost like a foundation associated teachers, the majority education often neglected to the year doctor does. That is a scary of whom concurrently practice latter stretches of the academic responsibility, but then I remind as healthcare professionals year. Some have used their spare myself that I have been studying themselves. They confronted a hours to pursue new, meaningful for nearly six years to step up to this unique challenge in continuing ventures to diversify their role and now’s the time. to prepare new, competent professional portfolio. healthcare professionals who Sadly, hospitals are as busy as can also adequately manage The times are not ideal however the news shows and things are COVID-19-19, while themselves there are silver linings. We look especially bad now in January, attempting to understand and ahead to a brighter, productive but there is a light at the end of manage front line pressures. 2021 while remaining poised to the tunnel with the vaccine. As for Ingenuity and compromise have face any emerging challenges me, I am hanging on tight for the been the core of moving forward. with the same tact, courage and next few weeks as it intensifies, humanity the NHS continues to taking it a step at a time and never 2020, at the height of the first exemplify. forgetting to be grateful for the COVID-19 wave, we saw a large everyday little things that we still proportion of final year medical Report by Daniel Oluboyede, have blessing our lives, from family, students graduate around three Medical student, Cambridge to warm food, to shelter. We are all months earlier than expected University in this together. to increase the NHS workforce promptly. We also saw the majority Abdel Mahmoud, Final year Medical of international and domestic student, UCL elective placements – these are one 20 IMPACT REPORT 2020

Alumni updates

We encourage the development of the leadership skills of our alumni – providing them with further development opportunities, encouraging them to secure governance experience by Board and Committee membership; designing and facilitating AMOS Bursary sessions; becoming student mentors and advisors as well as ambassadorial and public speaking roles.

Alumnus inspires

My name is Arinze and I am an Amos Scholar. Here is my story. How an Amos alumni has made a difference to me. I met up for an early morning coffee with George Imafidon (Alumni 2020), what can I say? It was definitely one of the most impactful and influential conversations I’ve had over coffee, to say the least. We spoke about everything, from academics to lifestyle to career and general chit chat. What meant more to me, As we let our own however, was that not only did he Special big thank you to Jennifer change my perspective on things, Kuntuala and Gillian Walters for light shine, we but also took the role of advising their extreme efforts in assisting, me as a big brother, given his advising and encouraging those unconsciously similarities with myself in ambition, of us who are striving to be the degree, beliefs and mindset; as well best we can be irrespective of our give other people as his vast experience over time. backgrounds. It is always great to meet up with Arinze Nawanna, Chemical Engineering, UCL permission to do like-minded people. It was a great and Co-founder of SwArts Records meeting with George Imafidon. the same. I met George again at an AMOS Bursary function at Schroders Asset Management firm about the business of sport. Here we were joined with many of The AMOS Bursary brothers; Nana Osei Kofi, Kamaal Busari, Jeremiah Balfourth, Remel Anno-Barnieh and Kai Moore. ALUMNI UPDATES 21

Google for Startups: supporting AMOS Bursary future leaders

Two start-ups founded by AMOS Bursary alumni, Wilfred Obeng and Ivan Beckley are taking part in Google for start-ups, the tech giant’s accelerator program aimed at supporting twelve up-and- coming firms. Wilfrid Obeng, AMOS Bursary Alumni and Committee Member has secured $1.5million in seed This was evident through the funding with his partner Christian The year 2020 enriching experiences that Facey for their in-game advertising without a shadow were on offer despite the start-up AudiMob. The firm was overwhelming limitations of founded earlier in 2020 by the men of a doubt instilled the pandemic, such as the who met while working at Google’s fourteen – week virtual CNBC Dublin headquarters. AudioMob a completely new International – Introduction to (UK) enables game developers to Business News programme. monetize games with non-intrusive sense of adaptability audio ads. In my new role as the Learning & within me, which Development Alumni Chair, my Ivan Beckley, Co-Founder & CEO focus has been predominantly of Suvera (UK) is creating a virtual encouraged the looking to shape how The healthcare experience that allows necessity of standing AMOS Bursary Alumni continue doctors to care for patients to support and give back to with long-term conditions with out of my comfort the family that has accelerated fewer appointments. He is still our futures, to ensure the completing his medical training zone, which The sustainability of The AMOS at UCL. AMOS Bursary has Bursary for future generations. The entrepreneurs spent twelve I was fortunate enough to work weeks in the Black Founders always embodied. alongside two bright members Immersion Programme, where within the 2020 cohort – Asaru they had access to the best of Williams-Henry and Leon Google’s people, products and Gidigbi. Over the course of six connections. They were able to months, we explored potential partner with experienced Google internal communication mentors, specialists and investors platforms to facilitate our helping them to grow and giving anticipated scalability, them better access to fundraising especially as we welcome our opportunities while further AMOS Bursary sisters into the advancing their leadership skills. family in 2021. Witnessing first-hand their appetite for growth and their ability to embrace change, all whilst undergoing what has been an extremely tough time for students, left me feeling very optimistic about the trajectory of The AMOS Bursary and what the future holds. Wilfrid Obeng Ivan Beckley Suvera Daniel Anjorin, Alumni AudiMob UK, Medical student UCL 22 IMPACT REPORT 2020

George Imafidon joins Lewis Hamilton to grow diversity in engineering and F1

In 2019, Rasheed was proud The brothers Imafidon Future pilot on board to be the first black student to be awarded a place on the Aer This summer George Imafidon Rasheed Graham, Amos Bursary Lingus Future Pilot Programme. graduated from UCL with a First Alumni, always dreamed of 8,500 people applied for the Class Honours in Engineering becoming a pilot. Rasheed 18 places that were on offer. and was appointed to The says: ‘I could say that I caught Hamilton Commission to grow A lot of what was required the ‘aviation bug’ because I diversity in engineering and F1 to succeed during the developed my love for flying out and support more young people applications process was of the blue since I have no family into engineering. He was also covered by the assessment members who have been pilots.’ awarded the Powerful Media centre skills workshops run Black Excellence Community When Rasheed successfully by the Bursary. Award for 2020. applied to join the Bursary, we decided to partner him with a Due to the pandemic, His older brother Kenny continues professional mentor who could Aer Lingus sadly decided to to blaze a trail. He became the help him pursue his ambitions. terminate the programme youngest Chair of the charity and offered to pay £44,000 City Gate, became the only black They paired me with a corporate towards an Airline Transport person on the board of BBC pilot. This relationship has been Pilots License course instead. Children in Need, where he was worth its weight in gold and However, Rasheed had to instrumental in securing £10 helped me hugely on my journey crowdfund to raise the balance million over ten years, making to becoming a pilot. The Bursary of £60,000. a difference to improve the lives also put me in contact with of young black people in the UK. commercial pilots who have I have fought my way into He is a trustee of several other given me opportunities within an industry which is not charities including Strength Within the industry. representative of minority Me Foundation (S.W.I.M), Spark communities and I would They’ve helped me to navigate Inside and City Gateway, where be doing myself and future the professional world and he is currently the Chair of the generations of ambitious young pursue a career path that Board of Trustees. He is also on the men and women an injustice doesn’t necessarily represent advisory boards of Her Majesty the by giving up. people like myself. Queen’s newest charity, Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and youth We are delighted to say that, charity Peer Power, where he met after Rasheed shared his story Prince Harry and Meghan Markel. on BBC Panorama, he achieved his target of £60,000 and resumes his pilot training in January 2021.

Kenny Imafidon George Imafidon ALUMNI UPDATES 23

The story of Leroy Logan MBE was featured on the BBC1 series Mentoring Matters Small Axe which was directed by Internationally acclaimed director, The mentoring programme is one Steve McQueen. Ten years earlier the students really value, and we a young AMOS Bursary student have to make sure we are offering filmed a documentary on Leroy a first-class service. Currently, Logan whilst at University. Leroy we have over 200 mentors. As was one of the first mentors a consequence of Covid-19, we on The AMOS Bursary and the depended on our mentors even documentary was used to promote more to maintain their relationships the Bursary and the benefits of with their students, a valuable part mentoring. of The AMOS Bursary story. Ten years later Jolade Olusanya I love being a mentor with The Jolade Olusanya is a filmmaker. He said, ‘I had the AMOS Bursary. I have been with privilege of filming Leroy back in the Bursary for over four years 2010. It was my first production now and it has enabled me to as a director. He was still a help students who come from a superintendent then. The man similar background to myself. I can is a living legend’. therefore pass on my knowledge, with the aim of helping to make Since Graduating in 2015, Jolade their path smoother than my own. has travelled the world telling Mentoring with The AMOS Bursary stories and creating content for is fantastic because the students the likes of Red Bull, Red Bull get so much support with social Music, Vapiano, Expedia, Google, and professional development and Musicalize, SXSW and many more. from each other. In addition, I have In 2019 he was employed as a learnt a lot too from the students photographer on the production and from The AMOS Bursary itself. of the TV series ‘Enslaved’ hosted Uniquely, with The AMOS Bursary, by Samuel L Jackson. More recently you can mentor students for a he directed a nationwide video number of years from A-levels campaign for Pantene on Afro through to their first role after hair discrimination. He said ‘In graduation. This means that I essence, I’m a storyteller very keen am able to give the students the on building lasting connections encouragement and support that between the public and private will help them make the most of sector through the art of their potential, which is immensely storytelling and most of all, feeling’. rewarding. The team at The AMOS Jolade Olusanya, Film maker Bursary go over and above to create a valuable experience for their students and care very much. They are dedicated and The AMOS Bursary does indeed feel like a family.

Tina Harris, Solicitor 24 IMPACT REPORT 2020

Partners providing access

Below two of the students explain Eradigm promotes how their connection with Marcus Associates is making a difference The AMOS Bursary has helped In March 2020 Marcus Deans, me so much. It started with being Co-founder and partner of Eradigm somewhat disappointed as I wasn’t Consulting changed the lives of in the main programme but the three young men. He said ‘Having Associate programme. However, spent some time researching I didn’t give up and I tried to stand The AMOS Bursary, it was clear out and prove why I should’ve that their philosophy, aims and been originally chosen. This was objectives were aligned with my made easier due to the pandemic own. Academic achievement and as it allowed me to show off my more importantly utilising those potential which then gave me the qualifications and other soft skills opportunity to get sponsored by to secure good employment is Eradigm and Marcus Deans. critical. Having spent over 20 years in the Pharmaceutical industry, I’ve talked to Marcus many it is abundantly clear that black times and the advice he gives people (and particularly black men) is exemplary; he has made me are underrepresented. My hope realise that I should slow down as is that my sponsorship will allow I’m currently in my youth so I have the three young men to acquire time to ponder about my career; the skills they need for a bright and that I must think carefully of future by participating in the the choices I’ll make in the near ‘full programme’ offered by future to ensure that I’m happy AMOS Bursary.’ with the end result. I believe he decided to sponsor not only me but my fellow peers in the cohort because he believed that we have the potential to demonstrate our skills to the world and that being a black man won’t hinder us to achieve our goals. My expectations Romario Morrison, Year 13, Cohort 2020

of the guys are: to Moving onto the main programme listen, to contribute accelerated my personal growth massively. It put me in a great their own thoughts position to network and gain and ideas, to be exposure, within different industries. The exposure I gained willing to come was paramount to my journey as it enabled me to learn more about outside of their different pathways to becoming successful. Networking has also comfort zone been essential to broadening my career prospects. All these personal and to learn skills developments have been created beyond those in by the sponsorship via Eradigm. a textbook. It means a great amount to be supported by Marcus Deans because I am spurred to do greater things knowing that I have been PARTNERS PROVIDING ACCESS 25 blessed with such a position. I have We are incredibly grateful for all developmental zoom calls, with a fantastic relationship with Marcus Barings has done to support our a range of inspiring professionals. as we try to do monthly zoom calls scholars with their personal and Schroders also furthered their where he provides me with advice professional development. ‘The engagement with the Amos in areas that I haven’t considered. relationship with Barings has been Bursary by providing access to I am very thankful to have a role really important for us. It shows their “Improving Futures Virtual model in Marcus as it inspires me what is possible, and the difference Series”. Following on from this, to continue the cycle of helping an effective partnership can make (when possible) we hope to the younger black generation.’ to our young men and our business further our involvement with

Kwesi Bimpong, Year 13, Cohort 2020 partners,’ says Colleen Amos CEO, Schroders as an institution, of The AMOS Bursary. through developing new relationships, as well as building Excerpts of this story are taken upon pre-existing ones. We hope from the article written by Barings to develop workshops alongside Diversity in action – working Social Impact team in honour Schroders, whilst hopefully in partnership with Barings of Black Philanthropy Month gaining greater experience within (August 2020) We were delighted to begin the industry’. a partnership with the highly respected firm Barings in 2018 – a relationship that has proven to be Schroders giving partnership hugely beneficial for our dedicated students. Schroders Black Professional Network (SBPN) has been One of their first initiatives was supporting the Amos Bursary since funding scholarships for two 2019, committing to donating students on our programme. annually for five years and hosting Barings has also offered summer a number of activities, including internships to a number of our paid work experience placements. students for the last few years. Joel Allen-Caliste Leon Gidigbi Schroders manage investments Remel Anno-Barnieh, one of their for a wide range of institutions and recent summer interns, says: individuals to help them meet their ‘I found myself learning something financial goals as they change over new each day.’ Following the time. completion of his internship, Remel was thrilled to be offered a place One of the focus areas of SBPN on Barings’ analyst programme. is recruitment and to attract ethnic minority talent in the While the pandemic meant that recruitment process. – Jennifer Barings were not able to offer Kuntuala, Fund Manager Assistant as many internships as they and Chair of the SBPN said, ‘Our would have hoped last year, Antonay Thomas strategic partnership supports Colby Johansen, Barings’ Global three Year 13 Schroders scholars, Campus Recruiting Manager, has Joel Allen-Caliste, Leon Gidigbi been supporting our students in and Antonay Thomas, with a range other ways. of experiential and networking Colby says: ‘I have monthly check- opportunities which play a vital role ins with a lot of different students in career progression and personal and just give them some advice growth. Our support will also assist and talk to them about internships Amos students to participate in and ways they can better overseas internships and work themselves for the future.’ experience placements, building young people’s confidence, soft Barings has led invaluable leadership skills and commercial career-orientated sessions with awareness’. our students, allowing them to network and build relationships Antonay speaking on behalf with people across the of the group said, ‘As AMOS- organisation. They ran two mental Schroders students, we’d like health awareness workshops to thank Schroders for their too – introducing our students to continuous support throughout resources to help them take care our time with them. We’ve had of their emotional wellbeing. the opportunity to engage in 26 IMPACT REPORT 2020

Alternative internships CNBC Introduction to the world of business news Virtual Unilever Students participated in a Unilever held a month-long Virtual fourteen-week Introduction to summer programme in place of business news with CNBC. Each the proposed internships. week they were in conversation We took part in a three week, with key figures across the six-session, virtual programme, business including a session with led by Unilever, geared towards Mark Hoffman, Chairman, CNBC Ayo Olubode, Munye Abrar, University of understanding more about the Oxford University Worldwide at NBC Universal Warwick FMCG market, the different functions CNBC Media, LLC, New York, and CNBC within Unilever itself and a few International President and sessions oriented around improving Managing Director, John Casey. employability, self-development and I cannot speak for the other boys wellbeing in the workplace. but before attending the CNBC One session allowed an in-depth sessions during the summer, look into the departments at a career in journalism still had Unilever and how they operate. the impression of being a closed Students were given the opportunity network, where entrance to the to ask questions to gauge a team party came on a who you know, they would best suit. not what you know, basis. This was truer for broadcast than print journalism. This is where CNBC as I especially enjoyed learning CNBC President an international media company about how Unilever is navigating encompassing many avenues the environmental impact of its and platforms of publishing news products. The programme has allowed us an insight into all of definitely deepened my interest these fields and an insight into the in entering the FMCG industry. future of journalism. Nana Osei Kofi, 2018 cohort We met the faces of the firm Nana Osei-Kofi , that present across their range Warwick University Unilever gave us advice on how of audio-visual platforms as well to improve our soft skills in the as the support staff and spine workplace, with sessions catering of the company. Conversations to improving our health and were sparkling and rich with the wellbeing, as well as personality Q&As ranging from life experience types and feedback. The and meeting interesting people experience was truly beneficial on the job, to how we as young and every session was just a men should build, develop and window (of opportunity) to learn maintain our personal brands in something new! an era of intense focus with all our Samuel Olajugba, 2019 cohort information online. Samuel Olajugba, The most interesting session for Kent University My personal takeaways come from me, and perhaps this is cliché the final three sessions; learning and obvious, was John Casey’s to analyse the components of my introductory one as it reminded personality and better adapt my me of the importance of work style, understanding the correct perseverance and grind to environment to give constructive crack an industry or job, in an feedback, and to better tailor my CV age that feels automated, with to the role I apply for. many companies using the same application tools and Reported by Ayo Olubode, formats to hire. University of Warwick Report by Munye Abrar, Oxford University 27

The Amos Our sponsors Bursary would like to thank our sponsors for their support in 2020. Our students have continued to thrive and engage with their support. www.amosbursary.org.uk [email protected]   Amos Bursary @amosbursary

Designed by Joel Quartey Email: [email protected] Tel: 07504 117234