Purpose: What RISE 2026 felt like
RISE was a day when Cowrie came together to celebrate all that education can make possible. Talent and ambition do not always have the same starting line. This year’s event carried that feeling from the moment that everyone arrived. There was an energy in the room that came from Scholars, partners, sponsors and supporters all being together, listening to each other and recognising the shared purpose behind The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation’s work.
The RISE pillars
The theme of RISE – Resilience, Inclusion, Skills and Empowerment – was encapsulated, naturally, in the stories people shared and the conversations in the room.
Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu’s keynote: Why scholarships matter
One of the moments that stayed with many of us was Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu’s keynote. She spoke openly about her own experience of receiving scholarship support and how it shaped her academic path, a deeply personal and grounded exposition. Professor Dame Ijeoma reminded us that financial support is not only about covering costs, rather creating the conditions for students to focus, grow, and to imagine futures that might otherwise feel out of reach. Scholars recognised parts of their own stories in her words. Partners recognised the long-term impact of the support they help provide. It was a moment that connected generations of students and illustrated the importance of the work of Cowrie.
Ruby’s story: Inclusion through creativity and confidence
Another moment that stood out came from Ruby, one of our graduate Scholars. Ruby shared her journey within the world of Ballet as well as developing a sustainable dancewear range – something Ruby created not only to challenge how dancewear is consumed, but also to develop her entrepreneurial skills. Ruby’s story showed what happens when students have the confidence and space to explore ideas. Her project is a reminder that inclusion is more than entering university; it’s about having the freedom to shape your own path once at university.
Scholar reflections
Throughout the day, Scholars spoke about the skills they are building, through their degrees, through mentorship, and through the wider Cowrie community. Tony, a Scholar at the University of York, reflected on what it meant to speak at RISE. Tony talked about how the experience helped him build confidence and the importance of standing in front of a room filled with people who believe in the potential of Scholars like him. Tony’s reflections showed how skills grow in spaces where students are encouraged to speak, to share, and to be heard.
Cowrie’s journey so far
RISE provided the opportunity to reflect on Cowrie’s journey to date. Since 2021, Cowrie has supported 80 Scholars. In 2025, 19 Scholars joined us, studying degrees across Law, English, Medicine, Arts and many more. We also celebrated our first 11 Cowrie Scholar graduates – students who entered university with ambition and barriers in equal measure, and who are now stepping into the next stage of their lives with confidence and, importantly, a community behind them.
The atmosphere at RISE was motivational. The workshop made everyone think, reflect and critically, to appreciate why this work continues to matter in 2026.
Why continued support matters
As we look ahead to the next academic year, the need for sustained support remains clear. The transition into university is still sharply defined by financial pressure, social navigation, academic adjustment and the challenge of finding belonging in environments that can be unfamiliar.
To everyone who joined us at RISE – Scholars, partners, sponsors, donors, volunteers – thank you. Your attendance, reflections and commitment shaped the day.
Please help us unlock brighter futures for talented, disadvantaged Black British students by making a gift today. You can make a donation online here: https://cowriescholarshipfoundation.enthuse.com/donate#!/