Santander joins the Fortune's list of companies revolutionizing global operations
Santander Group, a leading financial institution, has been making significant strides in the realm of education and workforce development through its Santander Universities Program. Launched in 1996, this initiative has invested over €2.2 billion to support education, employability, and entrepreneurship worldwide [1].
The program offers a variety of resources, including grants, scholarships, and access to educational materials. In 2025, Santander US pledged $25 million to this cause, with $10 million earmarked specifically for university grants and scholarships [2][5]. This investment aims to increase access to learning opportunities, enabling students to pursue higher education.
Santander's commitment to employability is evident through the Santander Open Academy, a global platform accessible on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. This resource offers free educational materials to learners worldwide, fostering lifelong learning and skill development [2][3][5].
In terms of entrepreneurship, the Santander Universities Program has been a catalyst for innovation and business ventures for the past 28 years. By equipping students and professionals with the necessary skills, the program encourages a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship [2]. As a result, the program has reached over 2 million students and professionals in 2024 alone [2].
The Santander X program, a part of the larger Santander Universities initiative, is another key component of the bank's efforts. This program focuses on promoting women leadership, future talent, and innovation. It also rewards companies in the areas of responsible banking, diversity & inclusion, and the circular economy, as well as those that optimize user experience [1].
Santander's commitment to education is not only evident in financial terms but also in its impact. In 2022, the bank dedicated €100 million and helped over 250,000 beneficiaries of scholarships, internships, and entrepreneurship programs [3]. The bank's efforts have not gone unnoticed, with the Change the World list for 2023 recognizing Santander as the highest bank among the top 50 companies [4].
The Santander Universities Program is one of the largest privately-sponsored education initiatives in the world. In May 2023, the 5 Universia International Rectors Summit in Valencia gathered nearly 700 rectors from 14 countries, underscoring the program's global reach and influence [6]. The 2023 Universities Report was 7.0 MB in size, while the Santander Open Academy download was 4.81 MB, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the resources provided [6].
In conclusion, the Santander Universities Program is a significant global initiative that directly supports higher education access, boosts employability through skill development and lifelong learning resources, and encourages entrepreneurship, contributing significantly to workforce and economic development worldwide.
Sustainable finance has become a key focus for Santander Group, with the bank's investments in education and workforce development reflecting this commitment. For instance, in 2025, Santander US pledged $25 million, with $10 million earmarked for university grants and scholarships, aiming to support business ventures by increasing access to learning opportunities.
By fostering lifelong learning and skill development through the Santander Open Academy and promoting women leadership, future talent, and innovation through the Santander X program, Santander's initiatives in education-and-self-development are fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to sustainable finance and business growth.
