2021 IMPACT REPORT - The Amos Bursary
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021 IMPACT REPORT
Welcome to
Tottenham
By Giovanni Rose
AMOS Scholar Giovanni Rose, winner of the
Poetry Society Foyle Young Poet of the Year
Award 2021. His powerful award-winning entry
‘Welcome to Tottenham’ tells a story of his
experiences in his hometown.
Welcome to Tottenham.
Where we wake up to the smell of ‘Chick king’,
Mixed with the odour of the corpse from the night before.
Where we cover our blood-stained streets with dried up gum,
Where kids have holes in their last pairs of shoes,
Where daddy left mummy and mummy’s left poor.
Welcome to Tottenham.
Where if you look like me then it’s harder for you,
Where everybody’s equal unless they’re darker than you.
Where the police see colour before they see the crime,
Where children get stopped and searched and aren’t allowed to ask why.
Welcome to Tottenham.
Where the drug addicts sit at the back of the 149.
Where education and sports are the only ways to shine.
Where we ride around on stolen scooters,
Where we can’t afford tuition, so the streets are our tutors.
Welcome to Tottenham.
I love but I hate my home,
I still listen to the voicemails of my dead peers in my phone,
I live in a nightmare. I had to learn how to dream,
I’m afraid to open up because you won’t survive if you’re weak.
Welcome to Tottenham.
The devil’s playground.
We fight over streets we don’t own,
Knife crime’s on the rise because the beef can’t be left alone.
Why does no one understand that we just want our youth clubs back,
Why do they claim they’re not racist but label the violence here black?
Welcome to Tottenham.
3 Contents Introduction 4 What does the Amos Bursary do? 6 Triple Track programme introduced 7 Student numbers in 2020 and 2021 7 Welcome AMOS Sisters 8 Academic excellence and professional development 13 Transition from school to university 2021 14 Higher apprenticeships make their mark 15 Graduating scholars June 2021 16 Celebrating our graduates 17 Oxford trip 18 The annual youth conference 20 Motivation and mindset 22 International Women’s Day (IWD) campaign 24 Zoom in on communications 25 Opportunities and experiences 27 The publishing business 29 Government and politics 31 Understanding the financial sector 32 Web Summit 35 Internships 33 Career carousel 40 Support guidance and community spirit 44 The cat’s out the bag 45 Mentoring matters 46 Alumni representing the Bursary 49 Our future 50 Our sponsors 52
4 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
Introduction
2021 has been a year of transformation
for the Bursary. We introduced our
first cohort of young women and we
have expanded our programmes from
two tiers to three, providing more
opportunities for young people.
All our programmes are for 5 years All our students had the
with the opportunity for students opportunity to attend workshops
to move up and down depending insight sessions and conferences
on their needs and available for personal, professional,
spaces. We now have over 30 leadership, academic and career
amazing sponsors, all of whom development. We increased the
are working with us to provide number of events from August
experiences and opportunities 2021 by holding a combination of
for our students. Our growing face to face and virtual workshops
network of mentors continue to holding over 80 activities in total.
provide the students with the Financial intelligence and the
support and guidance required importance of entrepreneurship
at this time of development. was key.
So, what did 2021 bring? We held We also continued to hold
our first online interviews with conferences and webinars and saw
Alumni representatives on the consistently good attendance to all
panel and university students as the events and workshops offered.
hosts. This worked extremely well For the Year 12 students, we
and we will be using this model focused on skills and knowledge
next year. development and careers adviser
Juliet Alexander, led the workshops
which helped to prepare students
for the transition to Year 13 and
the Year 13 students transition
to university.
INTRODUCTION 5
Colleen Amos OBE Sarah Ebanja
CEO and Co-founder, The Amos Bursary Chair, The Amos Bursary
Our graduates continue to be Our aim is to develop the whole
the backbone of the programme person. As young men and women
offering their support in a myriad they are given the opportunity
of ways – as mentors, coaches, to discuss gender related issues
buddies, running workshops at the regular ‘Boys to Men’ and
and attending events. Our 2021 new ‘Sisterhood’ sessions bringing
Graduates buddied up with the the students together for lively
2020 students who were receiving discussions.
their A level results to make sure
The Amos Bursary’s mentoring
they felt supported and prepared
programme has been reviewed
for results day.
and extended to accommodate
A growth mindset has positive our increased number of students.
effects on student motivation As well as peer and professional
and academic performance. mentors, we have developed
Recent research has also shown group mentors to participate in
that mindset is related to student group mentoring sessions with
outcomes and behaviours students. This has allowed us to
including academic achievement, follow the progress of a group of
engagement and willingness to students before they transition to
attempt new challenges. The Amos university. Our focus on community
A growth mindset Bursary puts this at the forefront of
our programme.
continues. We are providing
additional support for the mentors
has positive Every student had the opportunity
to become more self-aware,
and are now in regular contact
with them via the LinkedIn group
effects on student aware of others and recognise
the importance of valuing others.
to allow them to share their stories
and experiences and explore topics
motivation They have been encouraged to
develop their communication skills
for discussion with their mentees.
Our sincere thanks go to our
and academic and become exceptional public
speakers. Our annual feedback
sponsors, volunteers and individual
donors who continue to contribute
performance. indicated that students were
gaining the skills and knowledge
to our growth and development.
A special thank you to the staff of
which would play an important the Prudential running club and
role in their future success. They ZOPA for their fundraising efforts
were encouraged to be aware of to support us in 2021.
the importance of their personal
brand and the keys to success via
a series of workshops.
6 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
What does the Amos Bursary do?
Johansel Emanuel Hernandez Pena
I am a Year 13 student at The expectations set out may
Kensington Aldridge Academy appear high, but it is because
as well as a 2021 Amos Bursary the AMOS team want the best for
Scholar. us and push us to want the best
for ourselves.
At the Amos Bursary we are
offered a range of workshops As AMOS students we are
and activities each term. These encouraged to engage in all
programmes are essential to help four aspects of the bursary:
us with our personal development
>> Academic excellence and
as well as acquire skills that
professional development
are transferable for whatever
>> Motivation and Mindset
As AMOS path we choose to follow. It is
recommended that we attend
>> Opportunities and experiences
students we are all the workshops and encounter
them with a positive attitude. >> Support guidance and
encouraged to When you join the Amos Bursary
you are given a student handbook,
community spirit
engage in all four which outlines what is expected
from each scholar and what we
Scholars who apply these principles
to their journey will get numerous
aspects of the can expect of the Amos Bursary. It
also contains important information
opportunities and have lots of fun
along the way. The Amos Bursary
bursary. about interview preparation and
internship preparation, which is
is an opportunity for us to make
lifelong connections and receive
support throughout our journey!
useful information for scholars to
apply throughout our time with By Johansel Emanuel Hernandez Pena
the Bursary.
7
Triple Track programme Student numbers in 2020
introduced and 2021
The recruitment process In 2021 the Amos Bursary increased the
number of students on to the Scholars and
for young people began in
Associates programmes and introduced
November 2020 – February the Progressive network. Our intention is
2022, during which time we to change the lives and narratives for more
young people.
ran an extended campaign to
launch the introduction of young In 2020 the Amos Bursary had 116 scholars. This was
increased to 130 in 2021
women to the Amos Bursary. In 2021 we are supporting an additional 116 students
Due to the increase in corporate via the Associates and Progressive network.
support, the Amos Bursary IN 2020
took the opportunity to extend
STUDENTS TOTAL NUMBERS
its reach and engage more
Scholars across the
students by introducing a triple programme
116
track system expanding our Associates across the
28
programmes to make an programme
even greater impact on more Progressive Network
(launched 2021)
0
young people. Associates and
28
Progressives
Scholars/Associates/
The Amos Bursary Five Year Progressives
144
Programme
IN 2021
We have developed a Triple Track programme
designed to allow us to give a wider pool of STUDENTS TOTAL NUMBERS
academically able and talented students
access to our resources and support network Scholars across the
130
over 5 years. programme
Associates across the
>> The Scholar Programme – is for students who apply 49
programme
to the Amos Bursary, meet the acceptance criteria,
and are selected via the interview process. Progressive Network
67
>> The Associate Programme – is open to students (launched 2021)
who were called for interview.
Associates and
116
>> The Progressive Programme – is open to students Progressives
who apply to the Amos Bursary and meet the
acceptance criteria. Scholars/Associates/
246
Progressives
8 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
Welcome AMOS Sisters
In 2019 the Sorrell Foundation committed
to sponsoring the introduction of young
women to the Amos Bursary, and in
2020 we worked on putting in place the
framework and recruitment process to
welcome our first cohort of young women.
The murder of George Floyd in The early commitment of the
May 2020, and the Black Lives Sorrell Foundation in 2019 meant
Matter protests and campaigns that the Amos Bursary was
throughout the summer prepared to recruit young women.
changed the world. The business
To provide the new students with
community in the UK adjusted
graduate support, three young
their priorities and interest in the
women, Sigourney Hove, Lamide
Amos Bursary’s overall offer from
Odanye and Adaobi Adibe, Amos
organisations and individuals
Sisters committee members are
increased.
also Student Leaders for the 2021
cohort. They bring a wealth of
passion and experience to the
role and are expertly placed to
support our new scholars to fulfil
their potential.
WELCOME AMOS SISTERS 9
Sigourney’s story Lamide’s story
Sigourney studied physics at King’s We are thrilled to have Lamide
College London. onboard as she has always been
extremely passionate about
Sigourney explains: ‘I worked as
supporting young people to
an ambassador for my university’s
fulfil their potential.
widening participation department.
This allowed me to meaningfully It was this passion that motivated
Sigourney Hove Lamide
give back by supporting and aiding her to co-found LIVE, a social
students from underrepresented enterprise for students from low
backgrounds the same way King’s socioeconomic backgrounds,
College Widening Participation which helps them develop work
Department did for me.’ skills and prepare for university.
Sigourney graduated in June 2020 Lamide herself received a first-class
and continues to support young Politics and Philosophy degree
people with their educational from the University of Essex and
aspirations while working full was named Top 10 UK Rare Rising
time. As well as being one of our Star in 2019.
student leaders, Sigourney will
She first became aware of The
spearhead the STEM aspect of the
Amos Bursary in 2014 when she
programme for our young scholars.
attended one of our speaker
I can’t wait for the girls to events. Lamide explains: ‘The
experience what I have planned, atmosphere was amazing. It
and I hope it encourages them to was a room full of many people
pursue STEM degrees at university. around my age who also wanted
to do great things. That was really
While the Bursary will provide encouraging.’
important learning opportunities
Lamide immediately recognised
and events, Sigourney feels that
that women would also hugely
the sisterhood the young women
benefit from the supportive
gain will be a hugely valuable
community our male students had
support network – both now and
access to as part of the Bursary.
throughout their lives.
.
10 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
Adaobi’s story AMOS Sisters 2021 Cohort –
A steady start
In 2017, Adaobi founded Bright
Hands – an organisation which The Amos Bursary has helped
gives people in Southeast Asia and me believe that I can aim higher
Sub-Saharan Africa practical skills and pursue my career in the
to make clean energy devices. Biomedical sector.
Adaobi
Adaobi explains: ‘I didn’t have a Prior to joining the Amos Bursary,
network, or the know-how to make I would describe myself as a
a solar panel. But I managed to somewhat reserved person who
secure funding, establish a remote was not very outspoken and felt
team, and teach 100 people in slightly uncomfortable when
Nigeria to build solar-powered interacting with new people.
phone chargers. It really changed Since becoming an Amos Scholar,
people’s lives.’ attending the learning and
She also worked with Micro development programmes has
Traction, a venture capital fund forced me out of my comfort zone
in Nigeria, helping to secure their and has encouraged me to do
investment– a start-up that is things I would’ve previously ran
collecting genetic data which will away from.
hopefully lead to crucial medical My confidence has increased
breakthroughs in Africa. dramatically. For example,
What is even more impressive the mock assessment centre
is that Adaobi took on these session, where we had to do
projects while studying Electrical large group tasks, I found it quite
and Electronic Engineering at the uncomfortable initially but, on the
University of Manchester. day, I was coached and advised
on how to be more outspoken.
I think that Black women are Since then, I have made a
sometimes overlooked. There concerted effort to introduce
hasn’t always been the support myself and speak out more.
there for us to take on leadership
roles, to support our ambitions. I have always been a very sociable
The Bursary will help bridge and gregarious person however,
that gap. that also meant that I was more
focused on only what I had to
say and didn’t really care to know
other people’s opinion. Becoming
a part of the Amos Bursary and
joining the sisterhood, I am now
a better listener and a lot more
attentive. I am also more aware
of how I am behaving and what
kind of perception I am giving off.
This has made me a more down
to earth and warm person.
AMOS Sisters 2021 cohort11 The Amos Bursary CONNECT Conference In 2021 we held the first virtual welcome conference exclusively for the students who applied to the Amos Bursary. This was an interactive event filled with discussion, information sharing by many of the AMOS students, volunteers and some of our partner organisations, allowing the students to get a taste of what it means to be a part of the AMOS Community. After the conference, every student was sent a book, compliments of SAGE Publishing.
12 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
New programme in place
All attendees were invited to join
our new Progressive Programme.
The Progressive Programme
connects the students to an online
community of like-minded peers
and offers access to virtual events
and opportunities – a combination
that we hope will assist in helping
them reach their full potential.
Becklyna Gyampoh started as an
Amos Progressive.
I applied to the Amos Bursary
whilst I was in Year 12 with
the hopes of getting into the
programme to learn about the
corporate world and make good
network connections. I applied to
the main scheme and attended
Scholars are up and running Welcome to the Associates the introduction programme
where the history of the Amos
The Amos Bursary team warmly An online evening session was held Bursary as well as the purpose
welcomed the first group of where students were introduced to was talked about. The conference
young women to the Bursary and the Associates Programme, what it was very informative, and the
congratulated both the young means to be an Associate and the environment was so free and
men and women on their amazing support they could expect from interactive, it seemed more like a
achievement. The Amos Bursary. All students big productive conversation than
attended along with current a formal conference. It showed
The 2021 Scholars were introduced AB Associates who attended to me that networking didn’t have
to the AMOS experience discuss and share their journey as to be scary and awkward and
through several discussions AB Associates. that we can make meaningful
and presentations planned connections through normal
throughout the day with the Amos conversation that can benefit
Bursary Alumni. The activities for our future.
this year focused on skills and I didn’t get accepted to the
knowledge development for the main Scholar or the Associate
Year 12 students, preparation for programme and that made
results day and beyond for the me feel somewhat defeated;
Year 13 students and internship however, one thing that I always
preparation for the Year 13 and try to remember is that rejection
university students. can also be redirection. I was
informed that the Bursary had set
up a Progressive programme for
students who didn’t get selected,
to give them access to resources
and the opportunity to progress
from there. Since then, I have
been promoted to the Associate
programme. I am now very
thankful that I didn’t make it onto
the main programme initially
because I would not have learnt
the lessons on resilience and
discipline that I now know.13
Academic excellence and professional
development
In August 2021, we held the Amos Bursary
Big Reunion. After nearly 18 months of
virtual learning and development sessions,
it was great to be back together again.
My highlight of last year was I feel honoured to be a part of this
the Amos Bursary Big Reunion, programme and I will always be
as it gave me a chance to meet grateful for their love and support.
students from some of the other As a young woman, I would love
cohorts and alumni. for there to be more social events
with just the girls, to create a
They were all so wonderful. I also close-knit sisterhood. I would also
really enjoyed the in-person love for more social events within
Alumni conference. Since joining the Bursary to further build that
I have been to so many amazing close community.
places and had the opportunity to
Sharon Ukpere, 2021 Cohort
network with people from diverse
fields, which is just a blessing.14 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
Transition from school to university 2021
100 % of our students achieved their
grades to secure their first or second choice
university place.
29 Amos Bursary scholars who Our first student to attend
joined us in 2020 achieved university in Scotland is Romario
outstanding A-level results. The Morris, who is currently at Glasgow
teacher assessment model used University. He said, ‘The lifestyle in
to assess grades did not impact Glasgow is very different to that of
their results. London. Let’s just say I am trying to
adapt. Glasgow central has a lot to
One student has taken a gap year. do, however, it isn’t as diverse and
immersive as London. It has its own
Three students, Rubin, Kwesi
Romario Morris sense of style that overtime I think I
Glasgow University and Elijah secured Higher
will appreciate more.’
Apprenticeship schemes with
KPMG, Goldman Sachs and ‘The pandemic has really
Salesforce. impacted university life and
being in Glasgow is no exception.
Four students secured places at
If anything, it’s worse due to the
Oxbridge
additional restrictions in Scotland
Eighteen at Russell Group which meant that half of the
Universities activities were online and that
has taken away from the full
Two at Redbrick Universities
university experience. It has been
One at a post 1990 university. more difficult communicating
with professors and the whole
classroom experience was
non-existent. There’s also minimal
communication between students
during or outside lectures, due to
a lack of events and social activities.
However, I would still say that
my first semester while hectic in
many regards, was still enjoyable
in many ways.’
Romario Morris, Glasgow University
81% 77% 70%
Re Re Re
s p o n de d s p o n de d s p o n de d
Improved Increased Improved
communication understanding awareness of
skills – public of the job the range of
speaking and application jobs and careers
presentation process and available
interview process15
Higher Apprenticeships make their mark
The number of AMOS Associates now on
higher apprenticeships have increased from
one to four with students on apprenticeship
schemes with Dyson (2019), KPMG, Goldman
Sachs and Salesforce (2021). The students,
Michael, Elijah, Kwesi and Rubin, have set up
a Higher Apprentice WhatsApp group where
they share knowledge and information and
support each other on their journeys.
Elijah Olanipekun is a functional There are many ways that the
consultant apprentice at Amos Bursary has supported
Salesforce, the largest customer- my journey as an apprentice.
relationship management One of those ways was with
software provider globally. providing mentoring support
for me. The mentor I was given
He said: ‘I decided to go down the understood my scenario well and
route of a degree apprenticeship I appreciated his efforts to make
because I wanted to have the time to meet on a regular basis
exposure of being in a professional and to offer insightful suggestions
environment, gain valuable, to me. The Bursary has also
transferable skills and still get the tried to recognise the different
academic rigour and knowledge professional challenges we face
offered by a degree. This was very compared to some of our peers
different compared to what many and has successfully helped us to
of my peers did at the time, which overcome some of them.
was to go down the traditional
university route.’
Rubin, Elijah and Kwesi with Andrea De Zordo16 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
Graduating scholars June 2021
2021 was an incredible year with all
students achieving a first or upper
second-class degree; of which three
achieved first-class honours and two
students qualified as medical doctors.
100% of the Amos Bursary Graduates from
2021 secured employment or pursued post
graduate courses. This is an outstanding
record set against the backdrop of reduced
employment and graduate opportunities
due to the pandemic.17
Celebrating our graduates
Wine Tasting with Goldman Sachs for Amos Graduates
Goldman Sachs celebrated our graduating
students by hosting a wine tasting evening
at 67 Pall Mall. The evening was hosted by
Tony Kim and Katie and was attended by
our graduates from 2020 and 2021.
AMOS Alumni Solomon Adu professional dinners and often
said, ‘The session was fantastic at client meetings. So, this event
and a fitting way for us as AMOS provided an introduction and
graduates to round off our time context to wine that will be
as students on the programme. extremely beneficial for most of
I knew very little about wine as our working lives, bridging that
I had very little exposure to it at gap from student to working
home, but enjoyed the flavours, professional and the soft skills
origins and having discussions that come with that. Finally, as
learning about the various wines. always, the event was fantastically
But more importantly, this event organised and very well delivered,
was befitting of graduating for which we have to thank
from the AMOS programme Goldman Sachs and Tony, Katie
because wine is present in many and 67 Pall Mall for hosting such
professional settings that we a fantastic evening.’
attend like networking events,18 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
Oxford trip
In September Baroness Amos organised
an exclusive trip to Oxford Universities
for twenty AMOS students interested in
attending an Oxbridge University.
Wayne Gouro and Kwabena Osei, AMOS Oxford
undergraduates accompanied the students to Oxford.
The students visited, University College, St Johns College,
St Catherine’s College, and Merton College.ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 19
Law and language Online personal statements
The Amos Bursary is making the
A workshop hosted by Professor
most of technology to provide
Nicholas Perkins, Associate
opportunities for the students.
Professor of English at St Hugh’s
This year we partnered with
College, Oxford University and Polly
Causeway Education for the
Walton – a Parliamentary Counsel,
benefit of our students’ university
at the Office of the Parliamentary
applications. All Year 12 students
Counsel, focussed on the power
had access to and were trained
of legal language (specifically acts
in how to prepare their university
of the Westminster Parliament)
personal statements using an
and the power of language more
online portal.
generally to act in the world.
Antonia said, ‘considering how
Students got to understand what
significant the personal statement
goes into drafting legislation
(PS) is for Oxbridge applications
and discuss some of their own
and other top institutions, I was
proposed laws which they were
extremely nervous about the PS
asked to draft prior to the session
to say the least. However, with
as part of an interactive exercise.
the use of the OSCAR platform
They also discussed different routes
my nerves were eased due to the
into the law profession, including
simplified process that increased
the Government Legal Profession.
my understanding of what top
I learnt about how language universities were looking for. In
is used in enactments of law. particular, the example paragraph
Language is formed very carefully was undoubtedly helpful in
but can still be interpreted providing an insight into the
differently. mistakes frequently made on
personal statements and how
I learnt that even if an individual
to differentiate yourself from
doesn’t directly study law there
others. Overall, I would definitely
are still ways to get into law.
promote OSCAR to everyone as it
truly helps in creating a standout
personal statement.’
Antonia Oni, 2021 Cohort – Associate
Assessment training sessions
Each year the Amos Bursary
holds assessment centre training
for students. The sessions are
supported by AMOS alumni and
corporate representatives to make
sure the experience is as real as
possible. This year JP Morgan
were the corporate supporters.
One of the students said: “During
the interview preparation session
with JP Morgan, I received praise
from one of my mentors and he
acknowledged my increased
participation in discussions. It really
boosted my confidence as I felt
that my efforts to improve myself
were noticed.20 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
The Annual Youth Conference
The Amos Bursary Annual Youth The morning session rounded off
Conference took place in July with Martin Birchall, Founder and
2021. The Amos Bursary scholars, Managing Director of Highfliers,
graduates and like-minded who gave an in-depth insight on
ambitious young people of African current careers and the current
and Caribbean descent, from Year graduate market. His invaluable
12 to final year university students, insights provided a summary of
(16 – 25-year olds) were invited. The research on the Class of 2021, the
theme of the conference was The current job market, and potential
Bridge: Building Foundations for salaries, top graduate employers,
I loved the range the Future.
The conference was hosted by
and tips on making the most out
of university and choosing the
of topics covered AMOS scholars Solomon Adu
right course.
and Daniel Brown. The keynote The afternoon session was led
and the speakers. was made by Peter Cheese, by the Vice President and Chief
I ended up writing Chief Executive Officer of the
Chartered Institute of Personnel
Philanthropy Officer of The
Executive Leadership Council (ELC)),
7 pages worth and Development, who focused
on the future of work. Peter said,
Dr LaTese Briggs, Ph.D. The ELC is
an American organisation which
of crucial advice ‘The best way to predict the future
is to shape it. This is the time for
works to increase the number of
successful Black executives.
and knowledge. change – be curious, challenge, be
brave and aim high.’
The conference was closed by an
As a young Dorothea Hodge, CEO The Equitas
alumni panel discussion with Isaiah
Wellington-Lynn, Anthropologist
Black woman, Consultancy gave an outline for
building your foundations for the
at Twenty-First Century Brand and
PHD student
I feel incredibly future. She said, ‘find out what you
love and do it; find the experts
at Oxford University
inspired and well (elders) to help you to short circuit
Wilfred Obeng Co-Founder
AudioMob, bringing audio ads into
knowledge: write your life plan; and
informed of the travel, travel, travel.’
games. Former Google Engineer,
and Forbes 30 Under 30.
options available The panel discussion had an
outstanding line up of speakers:
Victor Azubuike, who left JP
for me and the Paul Reid, Founder of Disrupt
Morgan in 2021 to join Tillit,
a Paytech startup. He serves as
Space Ltd and now CEO of the
opportunities Slavery Museum in Liverpool, Esther
a Trustee for the Belgrave Trust
and WhyMe? He co-founded My
Odejimi-Uzokwe, Programme
available. Director of 10,000 Black Interns and
Brothers’ Keeper Book club to
promote active reading among
AMOS graduate Dr Ivan Beckley
young people and he runs the
Founder and CEO of Suvera.
Amos Bursary Book club
Statistics for the conference:
90% of the attendees found the
talks helpful/extremely helpful
90% found the event very good/
excellentACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 21
The Amos Bursary Annual Youth
Leadership Conference
The event had a
variety of impressive
speakers from a
range of industries.
It was lovely to hear
from the AMOS
Alumni – they had
a lot of insightful
things to say about
forging your
own path and
developing a
mission statement.
The conference
helped to widen
my knowledge in
a number of areas
which will help
with my future
career when THE BRIDGE
I leave university.22 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
Motivation and mindset
Mindset Skills and Strategies
Eric Collins has been named one workshops with 100% of students
of the most powerful Black rating the session outstanding
Business people in the UK by and very helpful. The students left
the Power-List and the Financial feeling informed, inspired and
Times. CEO of Impact X Capital motivated. Two of their favourite
partners, he has served on boards quotes from Eric is ‘You do not
and in the C-Suite of fast growth need to ask for permission from
technology companies. anybody to advance in the world’
and ‘You don’t need anyone’s
In April he held an ‘In conversation’
permission to start a business’.
session with our students. This
was one of the most highly rated By Eric Collins
Made a positive
change to
Increased your behaviour
confidence of attitude
73% 72%
Personal
Development
68%
64%
I have a better
understanding
of my strengths
and areas for
development
Raised
aspirations
60% 60%
Increased self Increased
belief motivation to
achieve goalsTHE ANNUAL YOUTH CONFERENCE 23
Students’ comments Positive mental health and Testimonials
wellbeing
Before the Lumina workshop,
I found Eric’s experience and
Students over 18 years have access I found it difficult to highlight my
information interesting.
to the counselling service, which strengths and weaknesses and
provides an assessment and four I had a cloudy understanding
It is better to develop your small sessions on request. of who I was. After completing
business into something that the Lumina questionnaire and
larger corporations would like In 2021 we held two sessions receiving my own personalised
to buy than to try to push for showing students how to maintain booklet on my characteristics,
extreme size and influence positive mental health while I was surprised just how accurate
(for some businesses). studying for exams Lumina was. I remember feeling
These sessions were delivered like a completed puzzle. The
by Robyn Spens a therapist and Amos Bursary was able to provide
The importance of understanding
transformational coach, who workshops that allowed me to
your market in business. A clear
shared her insights and practical better understand and enhance
and non-biased perspective
tips on positive mental health and these skills. Today, I am able to
on how Black people and
wellbeing. Anne-Sophie Flury a confidently apply for interviews
minorities can excel through
Mindfulness professional delivered and opportunities knowing what
entrepreneurship.
a session to Year 12s. She shared I bring to the table and this would
practical ways to reduce stress by have never been made possible
That I don’t need permission to showing students how to learn without the Amos Bursary.
make my own narrative when to navigate and to understand Christabel, 2021 cohort
it comes to building a business. negative emotions.
Always believe in your ideas
and persevere. Together they shared tips on how
to assess your emotional state Lumina has shown me the areas
and using visualisation as a way to that I can work on to develop my
Lumina sessions for all reduce stress and anxiety. Students personal brand.
were encouraged to take a bit of
Thanks to Lumina Founder quiet time before studying, and I learnt more about myself and
Dr Stewart Desson who gave listen to slow wavelength music to how that might affect the way
every student in the Amos Bursary get into a studying mindset, rather others see me.
the chance to complete the than listen to upbeat music which
Lumina Spark personality profiling could possibly be a distraction.
programme. This year it was rolled I was able to learn more about
out in three sessions two of which my characteristics and how I act
were run by Stewart himself. around people. This made me
see my true weaknesses and
strengths. I also learnt how I can
make improvements.
Victor’s Book Club
I learnt a lot about myself,
The best way to broaden my temperament and how it
your mind, motivate yourself affects me.
and develop your mindset is
by reading. The programme
encourages students to read
and develop a love of reading.
One of the key books is the
7 Habits of Highly Effective
People – Stephen Covey.
All 2021 AMOS scholars were
encouraged to read this classic
book under the direction of the
Amos Bursary Book Club Lead.
Alumni Victor Azubuike24 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
International Women’s Day (IWD)
campaign
The first cohort of young women to join the
Amos Community in February celebrated
International Women’s Day (IWD) 2021. They
attended a series of interactive workshops,
led by WOW (Women of the World).
This was an opportunity to join They also participated in the
in the global conversations International Women’s Day
with amazing women and girls campaign, ‘I Choose to Challenge’.
discussing and developing ideas The Amos Bursary students
that will change the world. Some recorded videos, sent photos and
of the students attended talks such made statements about what they
as, ‘Women, Power and Change’, would choose to challenge. These
‘I Am Perfect As Me and Female were shared on our social media
Friendships’. platforms throughout the month.25
Zoom in on communications
Tambo Silavwe continues to provide
the students with public speaking and
presentation training. AMOS Associate Jean
Sabwe shares his thoughts on the session:
Tambo’s presentation titled “The
Art of Communication” proved Top communication tips
to be hugely invaluable for me
and the rest of the attendees. We learnt that communication
He took relatively difficult isn’t only about the words that
concepts that are essential to we use, but also about the body
effective communication (such as language and tone of voice that
processing fluency) and explained we use and ways that we can
it in a manner that proved tailor them according to our target
to be both memorable and audience.
enjoyable. I enjoyed his insightful
I learnt how to recognise and
commentary on what creates a
adapt to different social settings
great speaker. He used a range
using code switching and more
of evidence which ranged from
effective techniques such as body
popular TedTalks to incorporating
language and eye contact when
eye-opening explanations on
communicating with others.
behavioural psychology, but what
I mainly appreciated was how I learnt that the audience you
relatable he was. speak to determines the language
that you use.
He did not shy away from building
a rapport with the attendees A key learning for me was to
(despite how difficult it may have stop feeling the need to carry
been due to it being via Zoom) on speaking when I have
and made us feel as involved nothing to say and also stop
and at ease as possible. Tambo speaking too fast.
gave great tips on how a speaker
I worked on no longer rushing
can familiarise themselves
what I say and to take my time
with an audience; understand
in order for my point to actually
the importance of good body
be received.
language and what distinguishes
a bad speaker to a great one. Tambo gave me tools to help
I was very grateful for this me to stop sounding disinterested
presentation. by adding more passion into
my speech.26 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
However, with the use of the
My 2021 Journey previous Amos Bursary workshops,
I was able to alter my CV and
2021 brought about many refine my interview skills allowing
challenges for me but with the me to secure a part-time job
help of the Amos Bursary and which I currently still have and
the people around me I was thrive in. With the pandemic at a
able to overcome all obstacles. high during 2021, academics were
As I get closer to graduating, the certainly difficult at times with
decision of where I choose to go everything online, lecturers not
with my Psychology degree draws being able to help most of the time
near. Whether I choose clinical and therefore not having the full,
psychology or business psychology adequate university experience.
has been a question that I have
However, surrounding myself with
been carefully considering since
academically talented people, I
I had an interest in this field.
was able to pick myself up and
Antonio Gallimore
My professional mentor Ayeisha, remain determined to achieve my
provided by the Amos Bursary, best possible grade during the first
gave me useful and professional year. This included attending study
advice to help me with my group sessions and testing which
decision. This included links to allowed me to achieve a 2-1 at the
organisations who catered to end of the first year which I am
aspiring Black Psychologists proud of. Ultimately, my goals for
(BiPP Network) and a Facebook 2022 are to maintain and improve
group called Minorities in Clinical my academic abilities, gain more
Psychology where I was able to skills in the world of work and
find like-minded people. I was continue touching base with the
also able to speak with a business Amos Bursary now that I am
psychologist in an investment firm in a better space mentally and
which is a contact I gained through physically so that I can continue
an Amos Bursary event I attended. growing not only as an academic
As a result, I was one step closer but as a young adult.
to securing a work experience Antonio Gallimore, 2020 cohort
opportunity that would certainly
help me in the future. Furthermore,
finding a part-time job during the
pandemic to aide me financially
during my studies was another
obstacle that I had to surpass. With
a lack of work experience prior to
university, my CV was not as robust
as it needed to be to achieve a job.27
Opportunities and experiences
Opportunities grow Linklaters
The Amos Bursary is an Linklaters launched the Links
exceptional programme that to Discovery Programme, an 18
has enabled me to connect with month programme for Year 12
professionals and develop myself students looking for a career in
intellectually and professionally. law. The programme is designed
The Bursary has connected me to support students from
to one of the top barristers in underrepresented groups with
the country and one of the most an interest in commercial law
experienced civil servants. Through to help them build confidence,
this invaluable connection, I have commercial awareness and
been able to explore and develop knowledge of the firm. Ten places
my interests in geopolitics and the were secured for AMOS students.
legal world in ways that I would
The highlight of being an AMOS
normally not be able to.
Scholar has been getting into the
Michael Lawson – Falomo The Bursary shows young Black Linklaters Making Links Discovery
men and women that we programme because it has given
deserve to be in high spaces and me the opportunity to explore law.
through its extensive alumni and The internships I have taken part
professional networks it enables in has helped me to learn what
us to countervail the institutional tasks Linklaters lawyers partake in
obstacles presented before us as well as the chance to create my
and excel. The Amos Bursary is own pitch (a task that lawyers do).
one of those safe spaces that we
need more of in our society. Things
such as the boys-to-men session
allow the exploration of tough
conversations without judgement
or fear which has never been
more important.
Michael Lawson – Falomo
73% 84% 74%
Re Re Re
s p o n de d s p o n de d s p o n de d
Increased Improved Access to
understanding networking opportunities
of the skills and skills
qualities employers/
educational
establishment
look for28 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
He said, ‘I entered expecting to
do a job, see some tennis and
leave, but I was completely wrong.
Working on the courts exposed
me to the public view and behind
the scenes of the tennis world.
I encountered many types of
people, completed tasks I didn’t
think I’d do and now understand
why Wimbledon is so renowned.’
Marcus Deans Elisha Peters Networking with Black
Excellence
Marcus making a difference The road to Wimbledon In October 2021, four Amos Bursary
students including myself (Raheem
Marcus Deans of management During the summer, Elisha Coomb), had the opportunity to
consultancy firm, Eradigm is an Peters had the opportunity to assist in facilitating the prestigious
AMOS sponsor who funded the work at Wimbledon during the Powerlist event – a gathering of the
development of our website and Championships on the Centre most influential people of African
are supporting and mentoring Court and Court 1. and Caribbean heritage. The event
three students who were was hosted at the Savoy Hotel and
He worked as a Court Service was an evening of laughter and
promoted from Associates to
Assistant, responsible for setting up celebration of the monumental
Scholars. Marcus also ran a
the court for play. achievements that prominent
workshop for all students on
What it really means to be a He was part of the team that black figures had made in the
Management Consultant. had to ensure optimum court previous year.
conditions via court covering, As Amos Bursary students, we
In February, Eradigm held the
dressing, and sanitising during the were at the Front of House –
Festival of Pharma - a pharma
tournament. Other duties included registering the attendance of the
consulting skills masterclass
keeping court side presentable and guests and directing them around
targeted at students who have
providing support to the Referees’ the halls of the hotel. We also had
an interest in consulting or life
Office and other teams. the chance to network with the
science. Two Amos Bursary
university students Kaamal Busari guests which was very inspiring
and Tyreese Hinds were able to and thought-provoking.
attend. Kaamal said ‘The festival Raheem Coombs
of pharma was an extremely
insightful experience, giving me
a platform to start exploring a
career in life science consulting. I
learnt both the basic and in-depth
concepts of consulting and was
given the opportunity to apply
the knowledge I had gathered
in a challenging case study. I
would definitely recommend this
experience to anyone curious
about what consulting entails
especially in the life science sector.’29
The publishing business
SAGE Publishing is a global academic
publisher of books, journals, and a growing
suite of library products and services.
It was great to be They focus on publishing impactful was eye-opening and enjoyable.
research and produce high quality Working with the Editorial and
a part of a group educational resources that support Corporate Comms department
instructors to prepare the citizens, allowed me to engage with social
of young people policy makers, educators and media’s power in promotion,
researchers of the future. Since glimpse how the different
wanting to make 2021 SAGE Publishing has provided departments interact with each
the Amos Bursary scholars with other, and contribute to the
something of access to research documents creation of article posts.
and publications.
their life. As supporters of the Bursary,
The teams I worked with imparted
priceless wisdom concerning the
SAGE Publishing has provided academic publishing business
AMOS students with a plethora and supported me through the
of resources required at every difficulties I experienced whilst
stage of their journey from at home. The other interns were
Sixth form to graduation. The also a joy to work and bond with,
University students have access and it was great to be a part of a
to a comprehensive online library group of young people wanting
of research publications, videos to make something of their life.
reference books, case studies and Undoubtedly, I came away from
much more. that experience enriched, and
must say a special thanks to both
This summer, Nowell Crooks and
SAGE and the Amos Bursary for
Keith Mulopo were interns at Sage
facilitating the opportunity!”
London. Keith Mulopo said, “My
internship at SAGE Publishing Keith Mulopo, 2019 cohort30 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
Insight into construction
The first off site visit for the AMOS
students since 2019 was to ALIGN
JV based in Rickmansworth, with
Michael Kale as the student Lead.
According to Michael, ‘It was
good to gain an insight into the
construction industry. I was amazed
by the grand scale of things and
how firms work together to bring
inventions like this to life.’ Josh
said, ‘I had a great day and learnt
so much. I never fully grasped the
depth and planning that goes into
such projects so I really appreciate
the experience.’
AMOS Scholars Samuel Omiye, My main role at Align JV was
Reece White and Racheal Adereti, implementing a condition
were also able to secure summer monitoring system that would
internships with Align during the allow engineers to know the
summer. wear condition of the pipes that
contained the excavated material,
Recce White reports on his
and the TBM (Tunnel Boring
experience. In July of 2021 I began
Machine). I thoroughly enjoyed my
a 3-month summer placement at
time at Align JV, as I got to see the
Align JV. Align were contracted
practical aspects of my degree
by HS2 to develop parts of the
as well as seeing all the logistical
upcoming high-speed railway
factors that must be accounted for
between London Euston and
in large scale engineering projects.
Birmingham. I was stationed as
part of the plant department in
Rickmansworth Watford where we
were responsible for digging two
16km tunnels.
LinkedIn link up
LinkedIn Training 101 provided
a two-part informative course
delivered by LinkedIn staff. AB
students were invited to both
sessions to understand the
importance of LinkedIn as a
professional networking tool
which would empower them to
find the best jobs. 70 students
participated in this course.
Part two offered the students a
week of 1-2-1 sessions to help all
university students to set up their
profiles and to understand how
to have a career conversation
with key professionals within
their chosen sectors.31
Government and politics
Amos Scholars, Samuel Olajugba and
Kwabena Osei had the opportunity to intern
at the Institute of Government.
Samuel said ‘I had a wonderful This enhanced my
experience last summer with understanding of Parliament,
the Institute for Government. which was an interesting
I was fortunate enough experience especially from
to work on the annual a quantitative perspective.
Parliamentary report, I am grateful to the Amos
which focused heavily on Bursary for this internship
the performance of the opportunity as I was able to
government during the height develop myself and learn
of the COVID pandemic. I was new skills that will definitely
able to learn how to collect contribute to the remainder
data and formulate graphs, as of my academic experience
well as analyse datasets. in university.’
ul to y
ratef ursar
m g s B ship
I a
A mo tern
the this in ity.
for ortun
opp32 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
Understanding the financial sector
Hugi Clarke is an AMOS mentor and during
the summer of 2021 he arranged for the
AMOS students to visit his workplace and
receive a guided tour of the Shard.
Here is Polyin’s report: A valuable lesson I know we all
learnt was about the importance
The event was an introduction
of pension funds, and investing
to the financial sector. I had the
into the long-term future, which
privilege of attending this talk in
I am sure had a profound
the shard, where a presentation
impact on all of us. Another thing
was given by Hugi Clark, and a
I admired about the Foresight
fellow colleague Oliver Smith.
group was their dedication to
We delved into the subsections
creating a more sustainable
of what it is to work in the
future. I personally felt that it is
financial sector, and the
an initiative that many people
various specialisms.
will appreciate considering our
Oliver gave us a brief dive into climate change crisis.
the mechanisms of investment
One of our hosts Holly, who works
Polyin Elbazar, 2021 Cohort companies such as Schroders and
within the HR department, at
Goldman Sachs, and insurance
The Foresight group shared what
companies like Deloitte and
the role of the HR department
BlackRock. I learnt about the
within a company is and
differences between retail and
encouraged me to keep attending
investment banks and how
events not directly related to
money was managed throughout
what I was aspiring to be. Holly
a company.
shared that she did not have
Our day was full of financial an HR background and studied
jargon, and it was fun to unpick geography at university but found
the definitions and roles of that her current role was more
employees within the company. well suited to her rather than
a possible role that was
I think what was most motivating
geography related.
about the people we met was
that none of them came from Thank you very much for such
particularly mathematical an engaging and enlightening
backgrounds. Ranging from session into the financial sector.
Psychology to Geography, they
Polyin Elbazar, 2021 cohort
had all found their niche within a
financial company, and strongly
emphasised to all of us that soft
skills were very transferrable and
applicable with the right training,
no matter the field, that was a
real eye-opener for me.OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES 33
River Island McKinsey & Company Barings
In 2021 River Island became the In November 2020 as part of Five scholars, Nathan Essel,
first high street fashion brand to their company’s Day of Service, Cori Clarke, Joshua Llelaboye,
partner with the Amos Bursary. McKinsey began working with Michael Adjei and Arinze Nwanna
Their partnership has enabled the Amos Bursary on reviewing attended a virtual 2-day Data
the Bursary to put in place the and transforming our Associates Science Project at Barings which
infrastructure to ensure students programme and developing a culminated with the students
are guaranteed places on the welcome event for new students, delivering group presentations.
Amos Bursary programme . We both with the express aim of Cori shares his experience:
look forward to building on the improving retention on the AMOS
I participated in my first virtual
relationship in 2022. Associates programme.
internship with Barings, which
The day of service was attended focused on artificial intelligence
by the CEO of the Amos Bursary, and data science. Along
Colleen Amos, Sponsored with students from the Aleto
Headland Consultancy Programmes and Projects Foundation, we were divided into
Specialists in financial and Consultant Debra Worburton, research groups and assigned
corporate communications, three AMOS students Karl- tasks. My group’s research task
public affairs and campaigning, Kareem Melami, Kai Moore, Lamin was to investigate unsupervised
Headland Consultancy began Tarawally, and a diverse mix of learning with the assistance of
their partnership with the Amos McKinsey staff from across the a mentor at Barings. We had to
Bursary in April 2021 and have organisation including Hilary conduct research on the topic,
hit the ground running with Moore, Client Communication put together a presentation and
engaging with Amos students by Expert, who has been actively finally present it via Zoom to a
offering internships opportunities, engaging with the Bursary from senior panel of judges comprised
participating in our virtual and the onset. This event not only of finance, marketing, and
face-to-face events and hosting a helped us frame the Associates technological specialists.
virtual session giving An Insight into programme, but it saw the genesis
The challenges of this research
the World of PR to our students. of our triple-track model including
project were in reducing a
the new Progressive programme.
complex topic so that it could
McKinsey continues to give us be understood by any audience
ongoing support and has made while also not omitting technical
Unilever the Amos Bursary a recipient knowledge. In our situation, we
of their McKinsey Volunteering began by describing the topic
Unilever continues to play a programme which allows their and then explained it by using
major role in the development staff to use volunteer days to an example from everyday life
of our scholars through their assist non-profit organisations. to connect with the audience.
internship programmes, insight This further extended the AMOS/ We also discussed the impact
sessions, participation in both McKinsey partnership. of unsupervised learning in the
virtual and in-person events and financial sector and beyond.
their annual sponsorship of the
This experience taught me the
Bursary. In 2021, AMOS scholar
importance of setting checkpoint
Gabriel Amida was the first Amos
meetings and target deadlines
Bursary student to secure a place
within the team to ensure that
on the most oversubscribed and
everyone is on track with the
most competitive Unilever Future
assigned task and the value of
Leaders Programme (UFLP). This
feedback from our mentor to
was a huge achievement, and we
highlight other points to consider.
are extremely proud of Gabriel for
Overall, I have honed my
his achievement and thankful to
skills in teamwork, research
Sam Whitbread, Ellen White and
and producing a cohesive,
Sam Sullivan for their continued
engaging presentation.
support over the years.
Cori Clarke, 2019 Cohort34 THE AMOS BURSARY 2021 IMPACT REPORT
Being a part of the Amos Bursary
JP Morgan supports Russell Investments throughout the past year has
scholarships allowed me to acquire skills and
Russell Investment run an annual
knowledge that I’ve been able to
The Amos Bursary/JP Morgan interview workshop for all students.
leverage. This has allowed me to
scholarship was open to all Events like these are crucial for
form meaningful relationships
Amos Bursary university students students to network. AMOS scholar
with multiple organisations.
regardless of the subject they Targe Williams, has been mentored
Throughout the year I’ve worked
are studying at university. To be by Jihan Dialosa for over three
very closely with a mentor from
considered for this opportunity years and 2020 student Antonay
Russell investments, who has
students were required to secured a mentor.
taken vast amounts of time to
provide an 800-word maximum My relationship with Russell support my scholarship, internship
application. Investments over the course and university applications.
of 2021 has been insightful,
This is in addition to pushing
The successful students were: educational, and inspiring. Firstly,
me personally and allowing
the rotational summer internship
Raheem Coombs, 2018 Cohort me to gain experience in client
I had with RI spiked my interest
University: Royal Veterinary College conferences, host collaborative
in the asset management
events and more. I’ve also been
Course: BVETMED (Veterinary industry and gave me a holistic
able to attend and engage
Medicine) understanding of the asset
with professionals from Barings
management industry from
Muhsin Hamume, 2020 Cohort Plc, who took the time to meet
the perspective of 3 roles: ESG,
University: The London School of with me and offer advice and
manager research and portfolio
Economics & Political Science (LSE) insight. I’ve also been privileged
management. Prior to this
to attend various events hosted
Course: Economics internship I thought I lacked the
by corporates such as Headland
skills to excel in this profession.
Richard Ademuwagun, Consultancy. This broadened my
2019 Cohort I am very grateful to Jihan Dialosa, perspectives on employment
University: University of Oxford my mentor, who helped me prospects and provided vast and
secure this opportunity and the valuable insight into consultancy.
Course: Chemistry
Amos Bursary who facilitated
Antonay Thomas, Cohort 2020
Issac Denucci Diarrasso, the mentor relationship I have
2020 Cohort with Jihan. Moreover, in the latter
University: University of Cambridge stages of the year, I undertook a
consulting project with Russell
Course: Computer Science
Investments, investigating the CSR
best practices for RI’s competitors.
JP Morgan staff have also been
The data I found was perceived
instrumental in preparing students
to be useful and impactful in
for Assessment Centres . A group of
Russell’s endeavour towards
students also visited their office in
becoming good corporate citizens
Central London for interview skills
and ESG compliant.
training followed by networking.
Targe Williams, cohort 2018You can also read
