Dear Friend and Supporter,
The new academic year has begun, and we thought it would be the perfect time to introduce you to an SPUC initiative you may not have heard of before – the Alma Mater Fund.
The Alma Mater Fund was established in 2019 as a grant scheme for pregnant university students, to support them in pursuing their academic goals while choosing life for their children. Universities can be hostile places for pregnancy and parenting. According to the National Union of Students, only 11% of student parents report having enough money to cover their expenses and 60% of student parents have considered dropping out. University aged women are at the highest risk for abortion. It is not surprising that university students who unexpectedly become pregnant may feel they have no choice at all, which is why we established the Alma Mater Fund.
The Alma Mater Fund provides small financial grants to pregnant university students, as well as sign posting them in the direction of further support from their universities, the government, and other organisations. We have found that by simply relieving some of the financial pressures these young women face, they feel more capable and empowered to face the future.
Nicole, a recent grant recipient, says: "Contacting the Alma Mater Fund gave me such reassurance that becoming a mum whilst studying is possible and nothing to be feared. Their team was so helpful and really clear on the financial help they could provide me, which has been a massive help."
For the first two years, the Alma Mater Fund only served universities in Scotland. We simply did not have the resources to serve the over 150 universities across the UK. We are very pleased to report that this autumn, we are expanding to Northern Ireland. With your help, it is our goal to expand this initiative across the United Kingdom.
New video premiered today!
Just this morning, we released a brand new video relating to the initiative, which features the testimony of Caitlin, an Alma Mater Fund recipient. Hear in her own words (and her baby's!) why this project is so invaluable. 👇
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To keep up with the Alma Mater Fund or to find out more, follow its development on social media or visit the website:
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