Sara Akkad, who recently joined the Development team at Warwick, gives her perspective on Warwick’s sector-leading scholarship programmes

“From speaking to scholars, past and present, and after having the privilege of meeting some of our donors, it is clear that scholarships play an essential role in Warwick’s mission to nurture talent from all sections of society.

They provide new opportunities

Many young people grow up thinking that university is out of their reach. Warwick’s scholarship programmes make world-class education accessible to all sections of society, giving the brightest minds the ability to fulfil their full potential whatever their personal circumstances.

“I couldn’t have gone to University without the scholarship that I received. I come from a single parent background and it did everything for me: it gave me the freedom to study, to visit home and afford wholesome food! As a maths graduate I struggle to put my gratitude into words - but thank you.”

David Dinh BSc Mathematics, Class of 2013

They have an impact on families

Scholarships are life changing for both the scholar and their family. Warwick’s programmes aim to level the playing field by building social and cultural capital, with the ultimate aim of delivering social mobility.

“Without my scholarship, I wouldn't have been able to afford to go to university. I often think about what my life would have been like if I hadn't gone to Warwick and I can't thank those donors who supported me enough. They are contributing to far more than the cost of someone’s degree. My job, where I live, my friends, my partner, and even my personality and values are shaped by the fact I went to Warwick.

I am now able to financially support my family. I also donate to the scholarship programme, because I want to play my part in helping others start their journey at Warwick."

Rebecca McAlees, LLB Law, Class of 2003

They change perspectives

Warwick was the first research-led University to give priority to widening participation, and truly offers an alternative for students who may feel less comfortable at more traditional universities. It is an amazing feeling to meet our scholars for the first time. They are some of the most talented, hardworking, and bright individuals that you could ever hope to meet, and they don’t just excel academically whilst at Warwick, they also flourish as individuals and as members of the campus community. Our scholarships promote self-confidence and self-belief in our scholars so that they feel encouraged to achieve to their full potential and make the most of their time at Warwick.

“I feel incredibly lucky to receive such a prestigious scholarship from the University; it inspires me to make the most of my time here and take full advantage of everything Warwick has to offer. It will be a great help to me, as the financial implications of studying at University can be rather daunting. Being a scholarship recipient has made a huge difference to my first year at Warwick, and knowing that I have the support of a donor has given me extra motivation to do the best that I can and make the most of all opportunities available to me. I look forward to achieving the goals I have set for myself, and I am excited to see what new experiences my second year will bring.”

Marlie Cummings, current Benefactor’s scholar

Like our donors, our scholars are passionate about giving back. One of our scholars, Zeenat Islam, went on to set up an innovative educational initiative called You*th Inspire that encourages young people to engage with issues of law, human rights, politics and current affairs; helping them to make meaningful change within their communities and society as a whole. Zeenat’s achievements demonstrate exactly what it is to be a Warwick scholar.

I have met scholars who have lost parents at a very young age. People who have had to help look after their younger siblings growing up. One of our scholars is partially sighted, but has overcome every challenge and obstacle in their path to excel in their degree. These are young people who are resilient beyond measure; and the majority of these scholars are adamant that they wouldn’t have been able to attend university without the support their scholarship provided.

Scholarships change lives, and I am proud to be a part of an institution that has such a committed community of donors, who prioritise fair access and equal opportunity. Scholarships do something unique; they facilitate a social change that begins at Warwick but extends far beyond our campus.

I am so fortunate to fundraise for such a special, life changing, educational initiative and I would like to say a huge thank you to our donors for their commitment to our cause.”

Sara Akkad

Development Executive, University of Warwick

Could you donate again to scholarships today?

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