In the East of England, eight universities and colleges have submitted successful bids, totalling £2.96m in government match funding for a wide variety of projects (see Notes to Editors for full details):

* University of Cambridge - £498,559
* Anglia Ruskin University - £468,656
* University of East Anglia - £500,000
* Cranfield University, Bedford - £480,000
* University of Hertfordshire - £575,000
* University of Essex - £296,150
* Writtle College, Essex - £167,250
* Norwich University College of the Arts - £21,071

The £50 million Economic Challenge Investment Fund will offer practical help to 50,000 people and 11,700 businesses whether in the form of:

* Over 2,000 internships and work placements for new graduates;
* Short targeted courses;
* Vouchers for the unemployed for training and help with looking for work.
Businesses will also benefit from a range of initiatives, including:
* Courses for workers on reduced working hours in key managerial and financial skills, and
* Placements of graduates with research expertise to support new product and process design.

Minister of State for Higher Education, David Lammy, said: "Universities in the East of England have demonstrated that they are central to the fiscal stimulus that local communities, businesses, families and young people need.

"Universities are clearly showing that they can provide a lifeline in these challenging times by offering targeted short courses to adults who have lost their jobs, by connecting small businesses to graduates and university expertise, and by offering graduates the skills and opportunities to set up their own business.

"It is particularly encouraging to see that more than 2,000 internships and work placements with universities and local businesses have been approved, which will be an important part of the Government's proposals to increase the numbers available to students graduating this summer."

When announcing the successful bidders, Sir Alan Langlands, HEFCE's Chief Executive, said: "This shows that higher education can respond swiftly to the needs of the local communities it serves. We set universities and colleges a tough task, giving them just four weeks to develop and submit their proposals, but they responded with enthusiasm and imagination, with 120 bids in total to the Economic Challenge Investment Fund.

"Bids came in from all types of higher education institution, bringing together the efforts of teaching, research and business staff across many departments in a response to evident local needs. New opportunities and courses will be on offer almost immediately, building up to a very full and busy programme over the summer and into next year."

Government funding is providing £27 million, with the rest coming from universities' own funds, partners such as the Regional Development Agencies and local businesses.

Though the focus is on rapid action and short-term help, universities are also looking to the future and how to help people and businesses succeed when economic recovery gathers pace. Preparing people for the professional skills that will be in demand in the future and supporting development in potential economic growth sectors, such as low-carbon technologies, are key features of a number of the bids.


Issued on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) by COI News and PR