Santander joins Fortune's ranking of businesses shaping global transformation
In a significant move to support education, employability, and entrepreneurship, Banco Santander has launched the Santander Universities Program - a global initiative that has been active for nearly three decades. The program, one of the largest privately-sponsored education initiatives in the world, has made a substantial impact in recent years.
In 2022 alone, Santander dedicated €100 million and assisted over 250,000 beneficiaries through scholarships, internships, and entrepreneurship programs. This investment is part of a larger commitment, as the bank plans to invest an additional €400 million between 2023 and 2026. Since 1996, Santander has invested over €2.2 billion in its universities program, helping over 1 million people and businesses.
A key aspect of the program is the Santander Open Academy, a global online platform that offers free educational resources and professional development tools to learners worldwide. The platform, which has a presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, aims to boost employability worldwide by providing continuous learning essential in a rapidly changing job market.
The program also places a strong emphasis on employability, responding to workforce needs by emphasizing lifelong learning as a solution to evolving job market demands. Surveys under the program reveal a strong belief that continuous education is vital for workforce readiness, with many advocating for business partnership in providing educational opportunities.
Santander's commitment to entrepreneurship is evident through its various initiatives. For instance, Santander X, a platform offered by Santander, helps people who run their own businesses and helps small companies to grow and create opportunities for their development. The platform also rewards the most innovative companies in user experience optimization.
The program's impact is far-reaching. It provides millions in scholarships and grants, increasing access to university education. It equips students and professionals with skills and learning resources needed to stay relevant in the job market. Moreover, it encourages and nurtures innovation through competitions and networking opportunities that help startups scale and address pressing social issues.
In 2024 alone, Santander’s efforts benefited more than 2 million students and professionals, demonstrating its significant role in shaping global education, employability, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The bank's dedication to these causes was reaffirmed by Ana Botin, the executive chair of Santander's website, during the 5 Universia International Rectors Summit in May 2023.
The 2023 Universities Report recognises Santander as the highest bank in the ranking among the top 50 companies for its work in supporting education, entrepreneurship, and employability. The bank's commitment to these areas is a testament to its belief in the power of education and entrepreneurship to drive positive change and foster economic growth.
[1] Santander Universities. (n.d.). Santander Universities Program. Retrieved from https://www.santander.com/en/santanderuniversities/program/ [3] Santander Universities. (n.d.). Santander Scholarships. Retrieved from https://www.santander.com/en/santanderuniversities/scholarships/ [4] Santander Universities. (n.d.). Santander Grants. Retrieved from https://www.santander.com/en/santanderuniversities/grants/ [5] Santander Universities. (n.d.). Santander X. Retrieved from https://www.santander.com/en/santanderuniversities/santanderx/
Sustainable finance is a crucial focus for Santander, as they have dedicated €100 million in 2022 and plan to invest an additional €400 million from 2023 to 2026 for education, employability, and entrepreneurship initiatives. The bank's commitment to education extends beyond scholarships and grants, with the Santander Open Academy offering free online resources and professional development tools to boost employability worldwide.
