28th March 2023
We’re delighted to announce the expansion of our Scott Trust Bursary scheme to include three additional places specifically for Black aspiring journalists in the UK. The expansion will be funded by the Scott Trust over the next decade as part of its response to independent research into the Guardian's historical connections to transatlantic slavery.
In March 2023, the Scott Trust published a comprehensive report on the Guardian’s historical connections with transatlantic slavery, sharing an apology and its restorative justice response. The research identified links between John Edward Taylor and the associates who funded the Manchester Guardian’s creation, and slavery. As part of the Scott Trust's restorative justice response, The Guardian Foundation has received funding to create three new Scott Trust Bursary places.
The Scott Trust Bursary is a vital part of our work to facilitate voice and agency with those who face barriers starting careers in journalism. For 35 years, the scheme has assisted students who come from backgrounds underrepresented in the media, offering tuition fees, living expenses, and in more recent years, mentoring and work placements at the Guardian.
It is an unparalleled opportunity with proven success. Many bursary recipients have gone on to brilliant careers in the industry, working for news outlets such as the Guardian, BBC, New York Times, Financial Times and the Mirror. The scheme's alumni includes Gary Younge, Samira Ahmed, Tariq Panja, Simon Murphy, Pippa Crerar, Lanre Bakare and more.
In the coming months, we will also work with Guardian editors in the US and Australia to create equivalent schemes with two scholarships/paid training positions in each office annually.
