In today’s society, diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has equal opportunities to succeed. However, for many young Black individuals in the UK, access to these opportunities can still feel out of reach. Enter the Amos Bursary, an organisation dedicated to bridging this gap and empowering the next generation of Black leaders. This initiative is a critical force for change, offering mentorship, skills development, and a strong community for young individuals who might otherwise be overlooked. For this reason, as proud patrons of the Amos Bursary, we have decided to dedicate this blog to highlighting the Amos Bursary’s work, helping to spread its powerful message of empowering young Black leaders for a brighter future.

What Is the Amos Bursary?

The Amos Bursary is a UK-based charity established in 2009 by Colleen Amos OBE and Baroness Amos. The Amos Bursary, founded in tribute to Colleen Amos OBE and Baroness Amos’s parents, has become a remarkable legacy over the past decade. Rooted in their belief in the transformative power of education, the Bursary nurtures talent, builds confidence, and combats discrimination by instilling pride in Black history and culture. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and the aspirations of young people drives the programme’s mission to this day.

The Amos Bursary’s work focuses on identifying young individuals with academic talent and leadership potential, and providing them with the tools, support, and networks they need to succeed. The programme offers a wide range of resources, from financial assistance to mentorship opportunities with professionals across various industries, ensuring that participants not only thrive academically but also build the confidence and skills required to navigate their professional lives.

What Does the Amos Bursary Do?

The Amos Bursary provides a five-year personal and professional development programme beginning with students in year 12 of a state school in London or the West Midlands of England. The Amos Bursary’s work can be broken down into three core areas: education support, personal development, and career readiness.

1. Educational Support: The Bursary provides access to educational workshops, work experience opportunities, educational guidance, financial support, and personal guidance to help students maintain and improve their academic performance. It connects participants with prestigious universities, such as Oxford, Cambridge, and others in the Russell Group, ensuring that they can pursue higher education without the barrier of limited resources, fostering their academic growth and opening doors to exceptional opportunities for future success.
2. Personal Development and Mentorship: Beyond academic success, personal growth is at the heart of the Amos Bursary’s mission. Participants engage in a variety of enrichment activities designed to build self-esteem, leadership, and resilience. Mentorship is a key component, where each participant is paired with a professional mentor who offers guidance, inspiration, and insight into navigating the challenges of career and personal development. The Bursary also runs personal development workshops that focus on communication, public speaking, and networking, essential skills for success in any field.
3. Career Readiness: The Bursary excels at preparing its students for the professional world. Participants are given access to internships and work experience in sectors such as finance, law, engineering, media, and more. Networking opportunities with top professionals in these industries allow Amos Bursary participants to build valuable connections and gain a better understanding of their chosen fields. The programme also helps students with CV writing, interview preparation, and understanding workplace culture, giving them an advantage in the competitive job market.

Why Is the Amos Bursary Important?

The Amos Bursary is more than just a scholarship programme; it is a transformative initiative that addresses the systemic challenges young Black individuals face in the UK. Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Bridging the Opportunity Gap: Studies show that Black students in the UK are underrepresented in top universities and in higher-paying professions. Even those who do manage to break through face additional barriers, such as lack of professional networks and mentorship. The Amos Bursary helps bridge this opportunity gap by giving young individuals access to networks, mentors, and opportunities they might not otherwise have.
2. Creating Role Models and Leaders: One of the most powerful aspects of the Amos Bursary is its ability to create role models. By nurturing young Black individuals who go on to achieve success in their respective fields, the Bursary is cultivating future leaders who can inspire the next generation. These young individuals become symbols of what’s possible for others who may be struggling with similar challenges.
3. Challenging Stereotypes: The Bursary helps challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions about Black youth in the UK by showcasing their achievements and contributions. All Amos Bursary programme participants have come from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, and their success stories highlight that, given the right support, these young individuals can excel in every area of society.
4. Fostering a Culture of Giving Back: One of the most remarkable aspects of the Amos Bursary is its emphasis on the importance of giving back. Many alumni return to the Bursary as mentors and supporters, creating a virtuous cycle of support that ensures the initiative’s long-term sustainability. By fostering a sense of community and responsibility, the Amos Bursary instils a culture of reciprocity where the success of one individual becomes a success for many.

The Future of the Amos Bursary

As the world continues to evolve, so does the work of the Amos Bursary. Its impact is growing, with an expanding network of professionals and a broader range of industries opening their doors to Amos Bursary participants. The charity continues to raise awareness of the barriers young Black individuals face and advocates for more inclusive policies within educational institutions and workplaces. In December 2019 the Amos Bursary secured funding to develop and introduce, for the first time in its history, young women onto The Amos Bursary programme, and in doing so recognises the importance of supporting all underrepresented groups in their pursuit of success. The Amos Bursary is a beacon of hope for many young Black individuals in the UK. By offering mentorship, personal development, and career opportunities, it is helping to level the playing field for those who face systemic disadvantages. Its impact reaches far beyond the individuals it supports, contributing to a more equitable society where talent, not background, defines success. The Amos Bursary is an inspiring example of how targeted, community-driven initiatives can make a tangible difference, and it remains a critical tool for shaping the future of Black leadership in the UK.

How Halkin Works with Amos and How You Can Too

The Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) Diversity in law firms’ workforce overview covers solicitors and other employees working in SRA-regulated law firms and is based on data collected from almost all firms in summer 2023. This information shows that only 3% of lawyers in SRA regulated law firms in 2023 were Black. The Amos Bursary plays a crucial role in this context, as law firms seek to enhance diversity within their teams but often struggle to find candidates due to limited opportunities available to Black individuals who could excel in these roles. The work of the Amos Bursary is essential in actively addressing the root cause to this lack of representation.

At Halkin, we are actively involved in the Amos Bursary Mentoring Programme, with three of our partners mentoring talented students who have just begun their university journey. Our Managing Partner, Gordon Gooding, has described his mentoring experience as “an incredibly fulfilling opportunity to give back and nurture the growth of talented students and future leaders.” We strongly encourage law firms and professionals to participate in this programme and support the Amos Bursary. For more information, please visit the Amos Bursary website: https://www.amosbursary.org.uk/. To get involved in the mentoring programme, click here: https://www.amosbursary.org.uk/mentor/.