After only 4 months of launching, The Alma Mater Fund has supported four student mothers and welcomed the birth of their children. Margaret Akers, Alma Mater Fund Project Manager said: “I'm so pleased we've been able to offer that support to so many students in the past few months. It's evident now more than ever that pregnant and parenting students need support."

The Alma Mater Fund, an initiative of SPUC Scotland was established in September 2019. The initiative aims to support pregnant and parenting students in Scotland with financial grants, who due to a lack of support may feel unable to complete their degree and parent a child.

What the Supported Students Said

Since The Alma Mater Fund was established only four months ago, it has been able to support four women and their children. The initiative has been advertised across five universities in Scotland.

Three of the women supported have spoken out about how The Alma Mater Fund has empowered them.

Kaitlyn said: “The Alma Mater Fund is a huge support. Everyone is lovely and more than willing to help. Being a student and having a baby is a financial struggle. The grant will allow me to get my daughter the things she needs. If you are a student and get pregnant, there is help out there. At first I thought I would never manage, but having a baby is the best thing that's happened to me"

Aparnna says: "I am extremely happy that the Alma Mater Fund empowers and strengthens a mother not to quit and instead helps her to strive forward and maintain a steady balance between motherhood and student life!"

Sam says: "The Alma Mater Fund has been such a help for our family and helped us worry less about finances while studying and becoming new parents."

Applying For The Alma Mater Fund

Scottish university students who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy are eligible to apply for The Alma Mater Fund. The sum granted to students will be decided on an individual basis depending on their situation.

To apply for the grant, and to speak to the Alma Mater Fund coordinator a student can:

Call, text, or WhatsApp 07849 088 244

Email: info@almamaterfund.org.uk 

Message on Facebook @almamaterfund

If you would like to donate towards The Alma Mater Fund to support pregnant students and their children please contact: info@almamaterfund.org.uk