The UAB and Banco Santander awards 14 Ítaca study grants

On 29 February, fourteen Ítaca-Banco Santander grants were awarded through the Global Santander Universities Division to high performing students with difficulties in accessing university and continuing their studies due to harsh social and economic backgrounds. The ceremony took place at the auditorium (Sala d'Actes) of the UAB Rectorat building and was presided by Margarita Arboix, Rector of the UAB; Matías Rodríguez, President of Santander Universities; and Gabriel Masfurroll, President of the UAB Social Council.

The grants were awarded to students receiving the study grant during the 2019/20 academic year. The grants include a monthly salary of 500 euros during 10 months per year, and are renewable for the duration of their undergraduate studies: a total of eighty study grants are conferred upon students each year. The grant also covers tuition fees, other campus services and, if necessary, accommodation at the Vila Universitària. This initiative began in the year 2010 and was the first of its kind to be offered in a Spanish university.

The students receiving this grant mainly come from the surrounding towns and are enrolled in different academic sectors. Three students already receiving the grant also spoke at the event: Maria Domènech, enrolled in the bachelor's degree in Medicine, spoke on behalf of those beginning their university studies this year; Kevin Veciana, graduate in Law, spoke in representation of the fifth promotion of students receiving this study grant (2015-2016); and Martí Gibert, graduate in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (2012/13), talked about his professional trajectory.

Secondary School Students

In addition to the grants programme, the collaboration between the UAB and the Global Santander Universities Division has also led to some 400 students spending a two-week stay at the UAB Campus Ítaca. This initiative aims to motivate adolescents in difficult economic situations and high academic performance to continue with their studies once they complete their compulsory education. The students spend a few days at the Bellaterra campus, participating in fun and educational activities which allow them to discover different academic disciplines and become familiar with the university: research projects, treasure hunts, debates, etc. This initiative is organised by the Fundació Autònoma Solidaria and funded by Banco Santander.