• Jasmine Brittan is an undergraduate studying at the University of Warwick and the first person to receive three awards
• Two University of Warwick students, Thalia Sheriff-Horner and Alaa Fawaz, were also shortlisted this year

A University of Warwick student has scored a hat-trick of awards at the Student Social Mobility Awards for her outstanding achievements, the first time an individual has received three awards in one night.

22 students were recognised at the fourth annual Student Social Mobility Awards for defying the odds to achieve outstanding success as they prepare for life after university. Announced during a prestigious ceremony at the House of Lords, which was hosted by Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, the winners were celebrated for their grit, resilience and determination to succeed.

Each year, the Student Social Mobility Awards are organised by the social mobility charity upReach to showcase the incredible achievements of undergraduate students alongside the contributions of organisations and individuals striving to improve social mobility across the UK.

This year's ceremony once again took place at the prestigious House of Lords, and was the biggest yet, with over thirty awards being handed out and nine brand new award categories celebrating schools, sixth formers, employers and universities. All student winners and nominees have managed to find success despite facing socio-economic challenges, such as limited professional networks, juggling multiple responsibilities alongside studying, reduced access to careers support and living in areas with low job prospects. 67% of nominees were the first in their family to attend university, 21% had caring responsibilities and more than half were eligible for free school meals.

This year there were over 250 nominations, with the undergraduate nominees coming from 35 different universities.

Jasmine Brittan (pictured top right), an undergraduate studying at the University of Warwick who is the first person to ever receive three awards in one night, commented: “To win a Student Social Mobility Award in 2022 is something simply beyond comprehension. It’s validation to me and others that with determination and a strong work ethic, access to education has the ability to transform anyone's life.

“My time at Warwick has been an amazing experience where I have had benefitted from a number of high-level opportunities. I also want to thank the School of Engineering for my inclusion in their Women in Engineering scholarship scheme as it has allowed me to fulfil my academic potential.”

Jasmine was awarded with the Sector Award for Science & Engineering, the upReach Ten Award and the most prestigious award of the night: the Outstanding Achievement Award. Also shortlisted for awards on the night were University of Warwick students Thalia Sheriff-Horner (below left), who was shortlisted for Champion of Social Mobility, and Alaa Fawaz (below right), who was shortlisted for the sector award for Law.

“The power of education to change a person’s life is close to my own heart. It was education that changed my life as I was the first in my family to go on to higher education and into a profession. So many doors opened in consequence. I want those opportunities to be made available to others like me. That is why these Awards are so important.” Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, who will be hosting this year’s Awards.

“upReach is proud to have hosted the fourth annual Student Social Mobility Awards and shone a spotlight on both students who have excelled, and the organisations that have paved the way for them to do so. Having overcome significant socioeconomic barriers and mitigating circumstances, these winners and nominees serve as inspiring role models for those from similar backgrounds, encouraging them to set their ambitions high and realise their full potential.” Stephanie Lieber, Acting CEO at upReach.

The inaugural Student Social Mobility Awards took place in 2018, celebrating outstanding role models, who – despite adversity - have set themselves firmly on a path to future success. Since then, the awards have grown from strength to strength, highlighting universities, employers, and mentors who have provided invaluable support and initiatives to empower young people to achieve their career aspirations.

The 2022 awards were generously supported by Platinum Partner Bank of America; Gold Sponsors Barclays, FactSet, J.P. Morgan, and Slaughter and May; Silver Sponsors Argent and MarshMcLennan; and Bronze Sponsors The Bright Initiative and MSD. Their sponsorship not only covered the costs of hosting the Awards Ceremony, but also enabled nominees from all over the UK to attend with their travel and accommodation costs covered.

Appendix

You can see the full list of winners here.

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Notes to editors

About the Student Social Mobility Awards:

The Student Social Mobility Awards are organised by upReach to showcase the incredible achievements of undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds from across the UK. The awards are to recognise students who have excelled in their studies and beyond, and shown great potential to excel as they launch their careers. Our focus is on students who have demonstrated great resilience, determination or initiative, or boosted their employability in innovative ways. We aim to showcase up-and-coming talent and identify those rising stars to watch in the years to come.

https://studentsocialmobilityawards.org.uk/

About upReach:

upReach are an award-winning social mobility charity that supports over 2,500 students to secure top graduate jobs, in partnership with leading organisations including Bank of America, Civil Service Fast Stream, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, and Slaughter and May. A team of over 70 employees provide personalised support helping to broaden horizons, raise aspirations and enable disadvantaged students to develop the skills, networks and experiences to succeed on merit. In 2022, upReach was one of only nine winners awarded a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the “Promoting Opportunity” category.

www.upreach.org.uk

Video: upReach: Celebrating 10 Years of Transforming Social Mobility

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26 July 2022

University of Warwick press office contact:

Peter Thorley

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Email: peter.thorley@warwick.ac.uk 

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