121. Supporting Sheffield University Students, British Academy, 21 February 2024


Alumni, sponsors, staff and other university supporters were welcomed to the Radhakrishnan Room at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace for a celebration of how Sheffield University is helping the most talented students access higher education regardless of their background.  The University is proud of its history working for students from less privileged backgrounds and communities.  We heard examples of how bursaries towards fees, accommodation, furniture or basics were helping students adjust to university life and benefit from participation in courses.  The University awards about 430 bursaries each year and I am pleased that the Water Conservation Trust provides one of them.  Other Livery Companies there were representatives of the Tin Workers alias Wire Workers and the Mercers.  It was interesting to hear how we provide different support: the Tin Workers focus on apprenticeships and competitions while the Mercers sponsor individual students through their courses.  The University reported that the largest impact support makes is to first year undergraduates.

It was a very encouraging and inspiring evening.

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