The Reach (Race, Ethnicity And
Cultural Heritage) Events Scholarship Initiative has confirmed the University
of Greenwich as its 2026 university partner, aligning the programme with one of
the UK’s most diverse student communities and a leading centre for events and
hospitality education.
Mary Ivers, associate director of external engagement, University of Greenwich, said: “We're delighted to partner
with REACH Events Management Scholarship to create meaningful opportunities for
students from diverse backgrounds in the events and hospitality industry. This
collaboration reflects our commitment to inclusive education and ensuring all
our students have the support and connections they need to build successful
careers in their chosen fields.”
Robert Kenward, co-founder of
Reach, said: “Confirming the University of Greenwich as our 2026 partner is a
brilliant next step for Reach and for the students we exist to support. As we
enter our fourth year, we’re moving from good intentions to durable impact.
This is about longevity and legacy: a community-led programme that keeps
widening who gets to thrive in our sector.”
DRPG has confirmed it will again
sponsor the programme for the 2026 intake of students having been one of the
first to support the programme since its inception.
Dale Parmenter, CEO, added:
“Breaking into the events industry shouldn’t depend on where you’re from or who
you are. It should be about what value you can bring to the industry and how
someone’s natural talent can be nurtured and grown. Talent is everywhere, but
opportunity isn’t necessarily. That’s why we’re backing the REACH Scholarship
again for 2026, this time with the University of Greenwich. This programme
isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about making real, lasting change. Creating an
industry that’s truly representative and inclusive for the good of everyone. We
just need to step up and make room at the table. It’s that simple.”
This announcement follows the
launch last month of ‘Reach 2.0’ - a legacy-driven restructure that formalises
governance, strengthens delivery, and sets a clear path to scale
scholarships from three to five per year. The refreshed
model introduces anadvisory board to steer
strategy, operations and decision-making, supported by active working parties
across social, PR, coaching and alumni, events and fundraising.
Launched in 2022, Reach provides
students with £5,000 per year for three years to support Black, Asian and
underrepresented minority ethnic students on events management degree
programmes.
Scholarships are funded by industry
donors who pledge £5,000 per year for three years. Beyond funding, Reach
integrates students into the working world through work experience,
internships, networking and employment opportunities facilitated by its partner
network.
To date, Reach has partnered with
Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Hertfordshire; the
University of Greenwich now joins as the confirmed 2026 partner.
