Zak Group, Pentagram and Some Days unite to advance equality and inclusion in design education

For the 2020/2021 academic year, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reported that 110,025 white students were enrolled in design and creative and performing arts-related undergraduate degrees as compared to 6,395, 6,235 and 9,610 from Black, Asian and mixed or other backgrounds respectively. In response to the notable lack of diversity within the design industry, renowned design studios Zak Group, Pentagram and Some Days have come together to commit their financial support for the 2022 edition of the Future FWD scholarship. Created in partnership with Central Saint Martins, the scholarship programme aims to promote equality and inclusivity in the design industry, and support a new generation of graphic design leaders in the process. The £30,000 scholarship (providing a contribution of £10,000 per annum) will provide material costs and living expenses for a student from a community currently underrepresented in the industry. In addition to this, the scholarship includes access to mentorship throughout the course and a paid internship opportunity with one of the studios. The scholarship is open to any student from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic group who has been accepted onto the full-time undergraduate BA Graphic Communication Design course at Central Saint Martins starting in September 2022.