Sponsorships: Supporting Students Through University And Beyond

There are several ways companies can sponsor students through university. These include corporate sponsorship, company scholarships, and sponsored degree programmes. Corporate sponsorship usually involves a pre-existing connection with the company, such as being an employee, and the company may request that the student works for them during holidays and for an agreed period after graduation. Company scholarships are awarded to students who plan to pursue a career in a field related to the company's business, or based on financial need and academic merit. Sponsored degree programmes are a way for companies to attract and recruit school leavers who work and study simultaneously.

Corporate sponsorship

Companies from various industries offer corporate sponsorships, including computer manufacturers, auto manufacturers, banks, and consulting firms. For example, a computer manufacturing company may award scholarships to students studying computer science or engineering. Banks may provide scholarships to students pursuing business, finance, or economics degrees.

In addition to financial support, corporate sponsorship can provide valuable opportunities for students to gain industry experience and make connections in their field. Some companies offer internships or other opportunities to recipients of their scholarships, giving students a head start on their careers. Corporate sponsorship can also give students insight into the company's culture and operations, which can be beneficial if they consider pursuing a career with that company.

When seeking corporate sponsorship, it is essential to research the company and its scholarship program thoroughly to ensure it aligns with the student's interests and career goals. Eligibility requirements vary, but companies generally look for students in a specific field of study, with a certain GPA, or from a particular demographic group.

Company scholarships

Some companies offer scholarships based on financial need, while others are awarded based on academic merit. A few examples of companies that provide scholarships include computer manufacturers, auto manufacturers, banks, and consulting firms.

There are many benefits to company scholarships. Aside from financial support, they offer the opportunity to intern or work for the sponsoring company, giving students valuable connections and industry experience. Scholarship programs also allow students to learn more about the company and its business, providing insight into the company's culture and operations.

Applying for company scholarships varies depending on the scholarship and company. Some companies have their application process, while others use third-party scholarship platforms. It is essential to research the company and its scholarship program to ensure it aligns with your interests and goals.

Degree apprenticeships

Degree apprentices will spend most of their time working and will also study part-time at a university. The time spent studying versus working varies depending on the specific apprenticeship, but generally, apprentices will spend about 20% of their time studying and 80% working. Degree apprenticeships typically take between three to six years to complete, depending on the course level.

The application process for a degree apprenticeship is similar to applying for a job, requiring a CV and cover letter. Employers advertise degree apprenticeship vacancies throughout the year, and there is no fixed application cycle as with university applications.

Student group sponsorships

Student groups can benefit from company sponsorships, which are often mutually beneficial agreements. Companies provide funding in exchange for advertising and brand exposure. This can take the form of displaying logos on sports jerseys, posting ads on social media accounts, or hanging banners at events. Here are some examples of companies that have sponsored student groups:

• Coca-Cola: The company might be interested in sponsoring a group if their values align with Coca-Cola's mission statement or if they have a local presence in the form of a plant in the area.
• Banks: Banks may sponsor student groups to attract young customers. Seeing a bank logo on group apparel can influence students' choices when they need to take out a loan or open a savings account.
• Dick's Sporting Goods: This company often sponsors local sports teams, as it boosts revenue for their franchise locations. They may donate to academic sports groups if their brand is mentioned on social media or if the team uses their products exclusively.
• Whole Foods: Whole Foods is known for its community-first initiatives and is often approached by university students for sponsorships. Their local franchise managers are open to discussing sponsorship agreements and the advertising opportunities for their brand.
• State Farm: State Farm is open to sponsoring a variety of student groups, including niche organizations related to auto mechanics. Their sponsorships provide good publicity and help them connect with potential customers.
• Walmart: While Walmart doesn't need to expand its consumer base, it uses sponsorships to advertise new deals and opportunities. They may request banner placements at sporting events or performances in exchange for funding.
• McDonald's: McDonald's sponsors student groups to increase brand awareness and drive more people to their restaurants. They are likely to sponsor a student organization if a nearby franchise location is seeking a revenue boost.
• Starbucks: Starbucks often sets up shops in college towns, and sponsorships are a great way for them to reach new students. They may sponsor groups by providing cups, bags, or social media posts featuring their brand.
• Delta: Delta is a good option for groups with international students or those that travel frequently. Their focus is on travellers, so displaying their logo on social media or during travel can be a part of the sponsorship agreement.
• Target: Target's core customer base includes college-aged individuals, so they are likely to sponsor student groups to reach this audience. Their products are often aligned with the needs of college students, such as home goods and pantry supplies.
• Costco: Costco regularly supports local communities by allocating a portion of its pre-tax profits to local events and organizations. They are likely to sponsor student groups as part of their ongoing community engagement efforts.
• Walgreens: Walgreens has a free membership program that many students may not be aware of. Local franchise managers may sponsor student organizations to promote this program by providing freebies like branded hand sanitizers and bags.
• Lyft: Lyft understands that college students are a significant part of their customer base and that they also make up a portion of their workforce. Sponsoring student groups is a way for Lyft to connect with this audience and offer convenient ride-sharing options.
• Dairy Queen: Dairy Queen has a family-oriented brand image and is quick to support local groups, especially those connected to their franchise locations. They celebrate community gatherings and are open to sponsorship agreements that align with their brand values.
• Subway: With locations on many college campuses, Subway is a convenient food option for students. They may be open to sponsoring student groups, whether it's through logo placement on club apparel or by providing coupons and freebies at events.
• Pepsi: Pepsi has a history of supporting university clubs and organizations of various types. They may provide ongoing donations or finance specific championship events that students wish to participate in.
• Geico: Geico is often approached by students seeing their advertisements for rental or car insurance. They are open to sponsorships that provide extra marketing for their services, especially at a local level.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: This brand is associated with the college experience, and they frequently donate to student groups to encourage visits to their franchise locations. They provide branded materials like drink cozies and keychains for attendees at events.

When seeking sponsorships for student groups, it's beneficial to approach companies that have a presence in the local community or those that align with the interests and demographics of the group members and the wider campus community.

Student project sponsorships

Corporate Sponsorships

Corporate sponsorships usually involve a pre-existing connection between the company and the student. For example, the student may already be working for the company and wish to continue working while studying, or the company may wish to keep the student on after they graduate. In these cases, the company may sponsor the student through their studies, with the understanding that the student will work for them during holidays and for an agreed-upon period after graduation. Corporate sponsorship agreements are typically individual, and the student must approach the company to discuss and agree on the terms.

Sponsored Degree Programmes

Sponsored degree programs are a way for companies to attract and recruit school leavers. Unlike corporate sponsorships, these programs do not usually require the student to have a previous relationship with the company. The student works for the company and studies at the same time, often with the company covering tuition fees and living costs. This provides students with a valuable opportunity to gain work experience and get a head start on their career.

Company Scholarships

Companies may offer scholarships to students pursuing a career in a field related to the company's business. For instance, a computer manufacturer might offer scholarships to computer science or engineering students. These scholarships can be based on financial need or academic merit and often include internships or other opportunities within the company. In addition to financial support, companies may also provide career mentoring, placements, or work experience during the students' studies, offering a potential pathway to employment upon graduation.

Student Group Sponsorships

Companies often sponsor student groups and organizations as it provides a mutually beneficial agreement. Instead of constant fundraising, student groups can strike a deal with a corporation to receive routine funding in exchange for advertising. This may involve displaying the company's logo on sports jerseys or posting ads on social media accounts. Local and national brands are often willing to sponsor student groups, especially if it helps them reach a new consumer group or aligns with their values and initiatives.

University Partnerships

Companies can also partner with universities to sponsor specific student projects, such as capstone projects or graduate research initiatives. These projects often involve tackling real-world, multidisciplinary problems that companies are facing. By sponsoring these projects, companies gain access to talented students and fresh ideas while providing students with a valuable educational experience. There may be fees involved for the company, and the projects should not be "mission-critical" to the business but rather focus on forecasting new ideas or enhancing current activities.

Frequently asked questions