The motorsport industry has long been a male-dominated field, with a lack of diversity in terms of ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic background.
Listen to Sir @LewisHamilton outline how our new MSc Motorsport Scholarship Programme could help eligible students achieve their dreams of working in motorsports. Applications close 6 March: https://t.co/wjVd4DtobX@MercedesAMGF1 #EngDiversity pic.twitter.com/W3qGObWK5i
— Royal Academy of Engineering (@RAEngNews) February 24, 2023
Sir Lewis Hamilton recognized the need to address the underrepresentation of Black people in UK motorsport and the STEM sector. After reviewing the end-of-season photo in 2019, Hamilton was so stuck by the lack of diversity he formed The Hamilton Commission, which aims to accelerate change and improve representation in the industry.
The commission was created in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering and aimed to simultaneously address the underrepresentation of Black people in UK motorsport and the STEM sector. After a ten-month research period, which included data analysis, stakeholder mapping, literature review, and primary quantitative and qualitative research with young people and key stakeholders, The Hamilton Commission published its report, Accelerating Change: Improving Representation of Black People in UK Motorsport.
The report provided insights and recommendations to increase diversity and representation in the industry. The Hamilton Commission’s findings and recommendations highlight the need for real industry-wide change and present an opportunity to accelerate progress. By addressing the underrepresentation of Black people in UK motorsport and the STEM sector, The Hamilton Commission aims to improve representation, increase diversity, and create a more inclusive industry for all.
The MSc Motorsport Scholarship Programme
Now Hamilton and the Royal Academy of Engineering are offering a new MSc Motorsport Scholarship Programme.
The programme has been created with the support of the Ignite Partnership and results directly from the Hamilton Commission’s recommendations. The Ignite Partnership, a joint initiative between Sir Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, is focused on improving diversity and inclusion within motorsport to better reflect wider society.
It has a focus on improving representation in STEM and engineering roles and aims to create and strengthen pathways to and within UK motorsport for people from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. Mission 44, Sir Lewis’ charitable foundation, leads the coordination of the initiative.
The programme will support individuals from Black or mixed Black ethnic backgrounds who wish to pursue a master’s degree in motorsport or related eligible courses.
The programme is open to those in the final year of an undergraduate degree or who have graduated within the last three years and meet all other eligibility criteria.
The Scholarship Programme provides financial and career support to up to 10 individuals over two years. Successful awardees will receive up to £25,000 of funding to cover the full tuition fees and maintenance costs for an eligible Motorsport (or related) MSc course. In addition, they will have access to dedicated training and networking events with Motorsport representatives, dedicated Motorsport experiences, and access to career training and support through the Graduate Engineering Engagement Programme (GEEP). Awardees will also have access to an online community forum to collaborate and communicate with other awardees and programme supporters.
It is hoped that the programme will provide awardees with increased knowledge of the motorsport sector, including skills requirements, career opportunities, and pathways. They will also develop skills and confidence in completing job applications and performing in selection and interview processes, including the assessment center, and that candidates will increase their professional and networking capital and gain membership within the programme’s alumni community upon graduation.
The MSc Motorsport Scholarship Programme is an excellent opportunity for Black and mixed Black ethnic individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in motorsport or related fields.
Applications for this years programme close on 6 March 2023. You can apply online at grants.raeng.org.uk
For more information visit raeng.org.uk
TLDR
- The motorsport industry has long lacked diversity in ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic background
- The Hamilton Commission, formed by Sir Lewis Hamilton and the Royal Academy of Engineering, aims to accelerate change and improve representation in the industry
- The Commission’s report provides insights and recommendations to increase diversity and representation in the industry
- The MSc Motorsport Scholarship Programme was created with the support of the Ignite Partnership to address the underrepresentation of Black people in UK motorsport and the STEM sector
- The programme provides financial and career support to individuals from Black or mixed Black ethnic backgrounds who wish to pursue a master’s degree in motorsport or related eligible courses
- Successful awardees receive up to £25,000 of funding, dedicated training, networking events, experiences, and access to career training and support
- The programme aims to increase knowledge, skills, confidence, and networking capital of the awardees
- The programme is open to those in the final year of an undergraduate degree or who have graduated within the last three years and meet all other eligibility criteria
- The MSc Motorsport Scholarship Programme is an excellent opportunity for Black and mixed Black ethnic individuals interested in pursuing a career in motorsport or related fields
- Applications for this year’s programme close on 6 March 2023
