Northumbria University and MGL Group launch built environment scholarship

MGL Group, a family-owned company with more than 54 years’ experience in the construction industry, has partnered with Northumbria University to establish the MGL Group Undergraduate Scholarship (2026–2030) in a built natural environment discipline.

The initiative reflects MGL Group’s commitment to supporting the next generation of talent and its ambition to help reshape the built environment.

Northumbria University is committed to working with like-minded partners to drive social mobility, supporting people facing disadvantage to study and succeed in higher education.

More than 60 per cent of its undergraduate students are from the North East, which has the lowest progression rate to higher education in the country, and 40 per cent are from low-participation backgrounds.

The university’s mission aligns closely with MGL Group’s values.

With deep roots in the North East, the company is proud to play an active role in the region’s development.

In addition to its educational partnerships, MGL Group delivers a comprehensive range of services across the organisation, including civil engineering and groundworks, demolition, road surfacing, earthworks and remediation, asbestos removal, asphalt production and quarrying, aggregates, recycling and property development.

Gillian Reader, MGL Group director, said: “Our partnership with Northumbria University goes far beyond delivering projects that have helped shape the campus.

“We’re proud to play an active role in the university community, supporting our full-time degree apprentices who study here, participating in careers events and backing initiatives such as IntoUniversity.

“The launch of the MGL Group Undergraduate Scholarship builds on this commitment.

“It’s a meaningful way for us to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, promote social mobility and invest in the diverse, future-ready talent our industry needs.”

In 2022, Northumbria launched Higher Education Without Barriers, which, with donations from business partners, charitable trusts and graduates, has raised £5.5 million, supporting more than 2500 students through financial initiatives, mental health and wellbeing services, and community-based projects.

Its supporters have also provided experiential learning opportunities for students, including work placements, mentoring and industry-led lectures.

It has an extensive outreach programme, which raises the aspirations of more than 20,000 local young people each year, which is supported by the fund, and is actively seeking to work with organisations sharing its social mobility ambitions.

James Wilkinson, Northumbria University fundraising manager, added: “Providing financial support for student scholarships is a core focus of Higher Education Without Barriers, and we welcome the continued support and partnership with MGL Group.”

Northumbria partners with alumni, businesses and charitable supporters to provide a range of financial initiatives, mental health and wellbeing services, and community-based projects to make participation and progression in higher education more achievable for academically talented students, regardless of their social or economic circumstances.

To find out more about the #HEWB programme, contact james.wilkinson@northumbria.ac.uk

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