TechnologyOne awards STEM scholarships
Four University of Chester students have been awarded TechnologyOne Scholarships worth £2,500 per year for three years, helping them to overcome barriers to study and make the most of university life.
Through this new initiative, supported by TechnologyOne, each student will receive £7,500 over three years, recognising the talent and potential of students from backgrounds underrepresented in the STEM sector.
The scholarships were presented at the University’s Careers and Employability Recognition Awards at the Crowne Plaza, Chester. Cheques were presented by Bridget McGinley from TechnologyOne alongside the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eunice Simmons.
The scholarships are designed to support female-identifying first-year undergraduate students studying STEM subjects. They aim to help those who may face financial, personal or practical barriers to fully engage with university life and progress towards their long-term goals. The funding will provide access to essential resources, reduce external pressures and support academic success, wellbeing, skills development and future ambitions.
Dr Helen Galbraith, Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Chester, said: “TechnologyOne is a valued partner to the University and this scholarship programme further strengthens our shared commitment to student success. By supporting talented students from underrepresented backgrounds, these awards will help to remove barriers, open up opportunities, and enable our scholars to thrive both during their studies and in their future professional careers.”
Cheryl Watson, Vice President Education UK at TechnologyOne, said: “At TechnologyOne, our Foundation sits at the heart of our commitment to creating lasting social impact, supporting young people to break cycles of disadvantage and build their own pathways to success. Through our partnership with the University of Chester, this scholarship reflects that commitment in action: recognising that financial and personal challenges can limit opportunity and helping to reduce those barriers so women from underrepresented backgrounds can fully engage in university life, build confidence and pursue STEM careers that can truly change their futures.”
The students receiving the scholarships are Freya Mann, studying BSc (Hons) Geography; Yelyzaveta Pohrebniak, studying BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science; Lisa Elvin, studying BSc (Hons) Pharmacology and Zaara Rahman, studying BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity – all in their first year.
The scholarships highlight the University of Chester’s ongoing commitment to widening participation, championing student success and working in partnership with employers to create meaningful opportunities.
The scholars highlighted the impact the funding will have on their studies and future careers.
Freya Mann said: “This scholarship would open up so many opportunities for me, including the chance to spend a semester abroad, whilst also easing some of the financial pressure that comes with university. Living and studying within a new culture will help me grow in confidence, become more independent, and strengthen language skills that will be invaluable in my future career.”
Yelyzaveta Pohrebniak said: “As a Ukrainian student building my future in the UK, the TechnologyOne scholarship is an incredible catalyst for my journey, marking the vital first step on my career path in Biomedical Science. This support gives me the confidence and peace of mind that everything will be okay.”
Lisa Elvin said: “Receiving this scholarship will reduce financial pressure, allowing me to work fewer hours and dedicate more time to my studies. As a mature student, it can sometimes feel harder to participate fully in university life, so this has given me greater confidence to get involved.”
Zaara Rahman said: “This scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It will allow me to invest in learning resources and networking, helping me to achieve my long-term goal in the cybersecurity space.”