Wise announces two partnerships to shape next generation of tech talent

Wise, the global technology company building the best way to move and manage money, today announced two partnerships aimed at improving diversity and social mobility in the next generation of workers.

To support underrepresented university students studying STEM subjects, Wise is committed to sponsoring students, starting with three, from across the UK going into their third year of studies. The money will be used to help fund their living expenses while finishing their degree.

In addition, Wise is the lead sponsor for the UK’s first ever National Scholarships Week. The programme, led by Blackbullion, is set to transform the UK scholarship space, encouraging businesses to positively impact young people’s futures.

According to Blackbullion’s “Student Money & Wellbeing Report 2023” 76% of students are worried that the cost of living crisis will have a negative impact on their final degree result, making financial support crucial during the current climate.

Wise has chosen to support students from underrepresented communities in order to improve the growth and diversity of people entering the technology field. The scholarship is structured to help those who need financial support the most as they enter the final year of their degree, ensuring they’re able to complete their course and benefit from their education.

In tandem, Wise is partnering with The Talent Foundry to help support young people from underserved communities to develop valuable employment skills, preparing them for the world of work.

In this programme, sixth form students in schools around London, will take part in a series of 8 sessions designed to help them develop key business skills, from creating a business plan, to team work and public speaking. This will be followed by a bootcamp at Wise’s London office, where Wise will host a day of entrepreneurship talks, mentorship, and advice on different career opportunities in technology.

Comment from Libby Cook, Head of Early Careers at Wise: By encouraging young students in London to think of a career in business or entrepreneurship, as well as supporting STEM students in the UK to finish their technical degrees, we hope to inspire and support young people to consider a career in tech. We know that this work needs to come well before people are looking for their first job, which is why we have partnered with Blackbullion and The Talent Foundry to reach the next generation. We can’t wait to meet all the students involved in both initiatives, and help them to build the future career they deserve.

Comment from Vivi Friedgut, CEO and founder of Blackbullion: The cost-of-living crisis is impacting students’ lives every day, in every way, from mental health to academic attainment. There’s a scale and urgency to this crisis which universities simply can’t tackle alone. It’s why we believe the time is now to create a nation-wide scholarship movement and we’re genuinely thrilled to partner with Wise on the UK’s first National Scholarships Week.

Jenni Anderson, Acting Chief Executive, The Talent Foundry, said: “We know that far too few young people are able to see a future for themselves as ambitious entrepreneurs. All too often that is because they don’t have access to the networks, role models or guidance needed. So we’re especially excited to be announcing this brand-new entrepreneurship programme in partnership with Wise. Our goal is to provide insights into the world of entrepreneurship, and develop core transferable skills to participating students.”