Last March, the UM Star Lectures took place, featuring engaging professors simultaneously giving lectures in 12 European cities for Maastricht University alumni. More than 700 alumni came together to learn, network, and reminisce with old classmates. This year, all registration fees for this event were donated to the Equity and Inclusion Programme of the University Fund Limburg.
Today, the official handover of the check took place, with Camiel, Maastricht University’s alumni officer, presenting the proceeds of the UM Star Lectures on behalf of all alumni to Guido Vanderbroeck, senior advisor of the University Fund Limburg. We want to sincerely thank all UM alumni for their donation and their contribution to the Equity and Inclusion Programme.
What is the Equity and Inclusion Programme?
The University Fund Limburg aims to make education accessible to everyone. With the Equity and Inclusion Programme, we focus on removing barriers that disadvantaged youth face in pursuing education. In a time where the pursuit of accessible education for everyone is paramount, we acknowledge the growing gap in opportunities, particularly exacerbated by contemporary crises. An educational diploma plays a significant role in shaping one’s prospects in the job market, as well as their health and housing situation. However, for some youth, financial and social obstacles hinder their pursuit of education.
The Equity and Inclusion Programme offers a solution by enabling social scholarships for disadvantaged youth from the Limburg region. These scholarships are intended to ensure access to education by providing financial support for tuition fees and/or additional guidance and study support. Additionally, the programme supports equality projects within Maastricht University, aimed at promoting inclusivity and diversity within the educational landscape. With these efforts, we aim to create a fairer education system where all youth have equal opportunities to achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.
What is the money used for?
The money donated to the Equity and Inclusion Programme reaches young people who can really use it. Thanks to the support of this programme, these young people not only get the chance to study, but they can also finance additional costs related to their education. This makes education accessible to everyone. Discover the impact of receiving a scholarship and extra financial support by reading the stories of recent scholarship recipients.