The Ford Blue Oval Scholarship Programme

To mark 100 years of Ford's commitment to the UK, Ford executive chairman, William Clay Ford Jr., has announced a new £1 million UK university scholarship programme in technical and innovation fields.

Named "Ford Blue Oval Scholarship Programme", the scheme aims to provide 100 scholarships for students - one per year of the company's UK operations.

"Ford has played an important role in the local community and in the development of mass transport over the many decades," Bill Ford said. "I am pleased to be able to support a new generation of technical innovators that can play a part in shaping the future of mobility in our next 100 years."

Ford will be offering £10,000 per student over a three year period to 100 undergraduates across engineering, science, manufacturing and technology courses at universities in the UK.

The Ford Oval Scholarship Programme is supported by Ford of Britain and the Ford Motor Company Fund, who works with partners from around the world, supporting initiatives in driving safety, community life and education.

The funding for the scholarships will be put forward from both organisations, with the Ford Fund working with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation to support the scholarship winners.

Joe Greenwell, chairman of Ford of Britain, said: "Ford of Britain is playing a key role in Ford's global strategy, and continued investment in the UK will propel us forward into the next 100 years. The Ford Blue Oval Scholarship Programme will help encourage young people to study engineering, science and technology at university. These skills are fundamental to our future industrial base, the rebalancing of the UK economy and long term economic success."