Outstanding students who have achieved incredible academic results, overcome barriers or inspired others have been presented with £1,000 scholarships towards their university studies.
Ten students who have progressed from Gateway College, Leicester, to De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) were chosen for the awards.
It is the third year that this scholarship programme has been run, with the winners chosen from students nominated by teachers and progress coaches at Gateway College.
The awards were presented by Sam Keen, head of vocational studies at Gateway, and opened by chairman of governors, John Kirk.
Mr Kirk – a former Gateway pupil himself – said: “We are very proud of the partnership we have with DMU. Many students have little experience in their families of higher education, and we both want to remove barriers to university and further education.
“We’re not only investing in the future of these students who have received scholarships this evening, we’re investing in everyone and raising aspirations.”
Ms Keen added: “It is a real pleasure to give these awards. I know through speaking to the students here tonight the impact that success coaches and lecturers have had on so many people.”
Six of the 10 students to be awarded the scholarships were at a special awards ceremony held at DMU. They are: Sean Johnson, Animation BA (Hons); Keval Jethwa, Computer Security BSc (hons); Reece Ladwa Politics BA (Hons); Savannah Kacha, Foundation year in Computing, Shelby Holt, Business and Management BA (hons), Wiktoria Agnieuszka Biela Law LLB (Hons).
Keval Jethwa was praised for “his positive attitude, dedication to his studies and determination to be the best he could be”. Keval, who is studying Computer Science, aims to work in the cyber security industry.
Last year 171 students from Gateway College took up places at DMU. The university helps prepare students for higher education by running taster days, masterclasses with lecturers and competitions for potential students.
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James Bagley, principal at Gateway, said he was proud of “each and every one” of the scholarship winners. He said: “Gateway College is committed to lifelong education and to inspiring our students to go on with their learning journey once they leave us. There are people here who are the first in their family to go to university. I would like to praise them for being committed to education and wish them every success.”
Savannah who came to DMU through Clearing, was praised for her attitude to study. She plans to work in forensic computing and is enjoying a foundation year in Computing. She said: “I’m loving DMU, everyone is so friendly and the teachers are very supportive.”
University was not on the radar for Shelby until her high marks in business were noticed by her success coaches. She said: “I didn’t really think about university, I was thinking I would get a job but then Charlotte my progress coach said I should apply and it’s the best decision. I’m loving it.”
Law student Wiktoria said: “It’s overwhelming to win this scholarship, I didn’t expect it at all. I’m really proud of myself and everyone here. Law is something that I have always been interested in. It’s hard work but I have such a passion for it.”
Posted on Monday 12 February 2018