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Open for applications: Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation supported by adidas launch £300,000 scholarship

A woman leaning on a mans shoulder in front of rocks.
  • Written byS Popo-Williams
  • Published date 15 May 2025
A woman leaning on a mans shoulder in front of rocks.
Aicha Thomas (graduate MA Fashion Photography, 2023.

The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation Scholarship, supported by adidas, are offering 4 London College of Fashion (LCF), UAL, students £75,750 each to cover the cost of tuition fees and maintenance. These scholarships aim to support students, either from UAL’s Insights Programme or those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds (B.A.M.E), starting at LCF in September 2025, to help them pursue their studies and contribute to the foundation's mission of promoting change and addressing systemic inequalities.


About the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation

The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation exists to inspire a more equitable, inclusive society and to foster opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK. They work in:

  • Classrooms ‒ to inspire children to dream freely without barriers and to realise the importance of learning to attain those dreams.
  • Careers ‒ to give marginalised young people access to professional opportunities across a wide range of sectors and industries.
  • Communities ‒ to support and create new connections within all types of communities.

The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation is committed to creating a fairer society in which all young people, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to flourish. By providing mentoring, coaching, work experience opportunities, and bursaries for education and training, the Foundation broadens young people’s view of what’s possible and creates pathways into education and career opportunities which might not otherwise be open to them. The Foundation empowers young people with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications they need to pursue the career of their choice and supports them to progress along their chosen path.

An image of Stephen Lawrence as a child.
Image credit, The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation.

"This year, it is our aim to launch scholarships and bursaries housed at the Foundation dedicated to supporting aspiring creatives from underrepresented backgrounds. This goal is particularly dear to me, as it reflects what Stephen himself hoped to achieve."

Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon, OBE, Founder and Chair of Trustees at the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation.

The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation Scholarship supported by adidas 

These scholarships aim to support 4 home students from UAL’s Insights Programme or those from B.A.M.E backgrounds, providing £75,750 over three years to cover tuition and living costs. The purpose of these scholarships is to break down barriers to higher education, allowing talented young people to thrive in the fashion industry and contribute to its diversification. By facilitating access to education and fostering creative potential, the scholarships support young people in achieving their academic and career goals, while enhancing representation within the creative industries. LCF’s Dean of School of Design and Technology, Claudine Rousseau, said:

"We are incredibly grateful to the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation and adidas for their generous commitment to creating real change in the fashion industry. This scholarship is a powerful step toward dismantling barriers and opening up opportunities for the next generation of creatives. At London College of Fashion, students join a community that’s collaborative, hands-on, and deeply connected to the realities of the fashion world. From access to specialist equipment and technical expertise, to mentorship and career-focused support, we’re committed to ensuring each scholar feels seen, supported, and empowered to shape the future of fashion."

Claudine Rousseau, Dean of School of Design and Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL.

Stephen had a deep passion for the arts, which was evident from a young age. He loved to design t-shirts with his best friend Elvin, and they would sell their designs, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. Stephen’s story reminds us of the power of creativity to change lives.

This scholarship honours his legacy by providing young people with the opportunity to develop their own artistic talents, encouraging them to dream big and create their own paths in the fashion world.

Whether you’re passionate about design, styling, or any other creative field, this scholarship aims to help you achieve your potential and break through the barriers that may stand in your way.

Scholarship eligibility 

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be:

Considered a home student for tuition fees purposes and be enrolled in or completed the UAL Insights programme, or be from a Black Asian and minority ethnic background, and be accepted on one of the full-time courses listed below at LCF starting in September 2025:

School of Design and Technology

School of Media and Communication

Fashion Business School

To apply for this scholarship, you must fill out an online application form via the funding tab in the UAL Student Portal. More information is provided in the guidance notes.

Closing Date: Sunday, 1 June 2025, 11pm

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