About the fund

About the Employability Award
The Horizon Fund receives donations from alumni, staff, former staff, and friends of University of Staffordshire to provide income which can be utilised to meet key University of Staffordshire employability priorities. Our funding is designed to help remove financial barriers so you can take part in opportunities that develop your skills, build your experience and improve your future career prospects. The fund is designed to help you access work-related opportunities that will enhance your employability and future career prospects.

Decisions about how the money is allocated
Decisions about how funds will be allocated are made by the Student Life (Advice) and Careers, Placements and Employability (CPE) teams

Types of projects considered
Support for Unpaid Internships and Work
If you've secured, or are looking to secure, an unpaid internship or work experience opportunity, we may be able to help with the costs of taking part.
You can work with one of our Careers Advisers to find an opportunity that matches your career goals. Funding may be available to help with reasonable travel and subsistence costs, particularly in sectors where unpaid internships are common.

Placement Year
If you're completing a placement year as part of your degree (typically between your second and final year), you may be able to apply for funding to help with costs associated with your placement, making it easier to take advantage of the opportunity.

Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to gain valuable experience and develop transferable skills. If you're taking part in a volunteering opportunity, including those offered through VAST or another recognised organisation, you may be able to apply for funding to help with reasonable travel and subsistence costs.

Research Opportunities
If you're taking part in a research project that helps you develop skills, knowledge or experience relevant to your future career, your application may be considered for funding.

Travel to Enhance Your Employability
We recognise that some of the best learning happens outside the classroom. Funding may be available to support travel for opportunities that enhance your employability, including:
Field trips or cultural visits that support your career development.
A unique opportunity in the UK or overseas that will have a significant impact on your future career prospects.

Professional Clothing
If you need professional clothing for an interview, assessment centre, networking event or another career-related activity, you may be able to apply for funding to help you present yourself with confidence