The UKAP Foundation started as group of students and recent graduates coming together in social and networking gatherings around 2010. The strong potential to foster and support social mobility through volunteering and delivering on a set of core objectives was realised and committed to following a series of achievements that demonstrated that it was possible to support social mobility through sharing of knowledge, organising learning and training events and running a mentoring scheme, and that such initiatives resonate strongly within the community. The next step, therefore, became to professionally structure, organise and operate a charitable foundation that enables volunteers and supporters to contribute their time and efforts against clear milestones, transparently and strong professional standards under the direction and strong governance of the UKAP Foundation Board of Trustees.   

The UKAP Foundation and the Board of Trustees continue to progress on this inspiring journey and are committed to promote social mobility of people across the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on empowering those of Albanian heritage. 

The core objectives of the UKAP Foundation are: 

Scholarships: establishing scholarship programmes to support academic pursuits and foster the advancement of knowledge and excellence for the public benefit, including in-person social and developmental opportunities, as deemed appropriate by the charity trustees, including:

• Providing funding for scholarship schemes with accredited universities, colleges or institutions of higher or further education that can award grants and bursaries based on academic merit and/or financial need
• Awarding scholarships, maintenance allowances or grants to individuals for study at any accredited university, college or institution of higher or further education
• Supporting individuals’ education through opportunities for travel to enhance their studies or to prepare for entry to any occupation, trade or profession upon leaving any educational establishment. 

Mentoring: pairing individuals with experienced mentors who can offer guidance, support, insight and access to valuable perspectives and resources, fostering the development of skills and knowledge to advance their personal and professional capacities and capabilities.  

Educational and Skills Training: delivering structured training and interactive courses, workshops and know-how resources to equip individuals with practical skills and knowledge, empowering them to advance their personal and professional capacities and capabilities.