Since its inception in 2018, we have supported The Open University’s (OU) Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund (DVSF) to help further the education of individuals who have become disabled as a result of military service. Developed as a pilot in partnership with the UK’s Ministry of Defence, the DVSF is the first of its kind in the UK. The fund enables disabled veterans to study for free as well as receive specialist support to help with their disabilities and career aspirations.
Our partnership with The Open University plays a key role in developing the wealth of talent and skills of veterans, helping to make a positive impact on those who have dedicated their lives to safeguard our nation. Deborah Allen, BAE Systems Group Director Sustainability
As the first corporate sponsor of the DVSF, we have already supported 12 veterans in their studies across the first two cohorts, and will be supporting at least another 12 veterans across the next two cohorts. Each intake of students will study for around six years - the average length of time that an OU student takes to complete a part-time degree.
BAE Systems’ support for 12 scholarships has offered those individuals a chance to build their futures, and this impacts not just on 12 lives but on their families and the people around them. Professor Tim Blackman, OU Vice-Chancellor
This is another example of our support for veterans and helps us to deliver our commitments to the Armed Forces Covenant. The transferable skills of veterans can make a huge contribution, both socially and economically, and higher education can be a valuable tool in identifying and harnessing those skills, helping them to thrive in a post-service career.
