We’re absolutely thrilled to share that JS Group has been announced as a finalist in the 2025 Social Mobility (SOMO) Awards, in the Tech for Social Mobility category.
This recognition means a great deal to all of us at JS Group because it sits right at the heart of our mission: transforming the delivery and impact of financial support so that more students can access, participate in, continue and thrive at university.
Every day, through our Aspire platform, we work alongside universities to help them get vital funding to students quickly, safely and in ways that make a measurable difference. This isn’t just about making payments – it’s about getting the right support, whether that be cash, credit or emergency food vouchers to those in need in time to achieve favourable outcomes. It’s about supporting social mobility, access, participation and retention for students who might otherwise face barriers or drop out.
We see this impact through our partnerships, such as:
- University College Birmingham, where Aspire has ensured students can ‘stay the course’ and transformed access, retention and outcomes.
- UA92, where Aspire has been a game changer in enabling students to manage their own finances better.
- Teesside University, where Aspire is used to level up digital access and enable all students to access course‑related resources without the usual financial barriers.
- University of West London (UWL), where Aspire powers an integrated, student‑centric ecosystem delivering bursaries, scholarships, hardship funds and special payments – from graduation gown hire to interview travel – all through a single, joined‑up process.
These are just a few examples alongside many others showcased in our partner success stories, but they capture why this work matters. Aspire is about making sure the right support reaches the right student at the right time – in the form that will help them most.
To be recognised in these awards is not just an honour, it’s a reflection of the passion and dedication of everyone in our team and of the forward‑thinking universities we partner with.
We are excited to celebrate this milestone together and to keep pushing forward in our work to help transform lives through impactful and efficient financial support.
Peter Gray, CEO & Chairman of JS Group, says:
“Being named a finalist in the SOMO Awards is a very proud moment for JS Group. It recognises not only the innovation behind our Aspire platform but, more importantly, the impact it is having on students’ lives every day. Our mission has always been to remove barriers and enable students to thrive, and this acknowledgement reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of the universities we partner with. Together, we are proving that Aspire can be a true force for good in higher education.”
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