- Aston University has received donation to support 1,000 students from low income families
- SIM cards donated by the Vodafone Foundation, in partnership with The Access Foundation
- The scheme will help tackle digital exclusion.
Aston University students from local low-income families are to be offered free Vodafone SIM cards to help them stay connected and to tackle digital exclusion.
The cards are being donated as part of the Vodafone Foundation’s charities connected initiative which aims to tackle digital exclusion and to increase access to technology and connectivity across the UK.
The donation is in partnership with The Access Foundation, which supports organisations seeking to tackle the digital divide, by making available more computer facilities, tech support and online learning to disadvantaged communities.
One thousand cards are being donated by the Vodafone Foundation, in partnership with The Access Foundation, an existing supporter of the University’s Access Foundation Scholarship programme.
The SIM cards are being offered to eligible UK students from low-income families. Each SIM offers 40GB of data each month, plus unlimited UK texts and calls, and is valid for six months.
Alison Levey, associate pro vice-chancellor (students) at Aston University, said:
“Connectivity is vital to our students, to ensure they have access to online services while off campus and to keep in touch with friends and family.
“The 1,000 SIMS will help students who are at risk of digital exclusion to stay connected. We are extremely grateful to the Vodafone Foundation and The Access Foundation for their support.”
Emma Reynolds, head of communications, sustainability and regulatory affairs at Vodafone UK, said: “We are committed to tackling digital exclusion. We hope that by providing free connectivity to Aston University and other amazing charities across the UK, we can help create a more inclusive digital society.”
Piers McLeish, trustee of The Access Foundation, added: “We are delighted to be able to enhance our support for Aston University students with this offer of prepaid phone cards. It’s great to know that through our partnership with Vodaphone, we can help so many more students gain access to the vital services they need to support them in their studies.”
- Notes to editors
Vodafone’s charities connected initiative was launched in August 2021. For more information, visit https://www.vodafone.co.uk/newscentre/news/calling-all-uk-charities-free-connectivity-to-tackle-digital-exclusion/
About Aston University
Founded in 1895 and a university since 1966, Aston is a long-established university led by its three main beneficiary groups – students, business and the professions, and the West Midlands region and wider society. Located in Birmingham at the heart of a vibrant city, the campus houses all the University’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Aleks Subic is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
In 2022 Aston University was ranked in the top 25 of the Guardian University Guide, based on measures including entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects. The Aston Business School MBA programme was ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
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