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21 Jan 2010 09:11:42
One deserving art and design student is financially better off after receiving a bursary from the University of Bedfordshire.
Budding graphic designer Brenda Alexis, who lives in Bedford, turned 20 on the first day of the new academic year back in October.
The University has been supporting a bursary annually through the Helena Kennedy Foundation for the last three years.
This is for a student from Milton Keynes College who is progressing to an undergraduate course in art and design accredited by the University.
Brenda has also got the opportunity to meet Digby Jones, otherwise known as Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham, at the inaugural annual lecture organised by the Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership.
British businessman and politician Lord Jones, Patron of the Helena Kennedy Foundation, was speaking at the University Centre Milton Keynes (UCMK).
One of the Foundation’s previous award winners, Andrew Dean, also gave a speech about the difference receiving the bursary had made to his life.
The event was attended by 100 guests from the business, civic and academic communities, sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers and was in aid of the Foundation.
Lord Jones’ theme was ‘People who are skilled to face the challenges of globalisation make a safer society’ and he said: “Knowledge is key to a safe and successful 21st century anywhere in the world. You cannot put a price on it.”
As the University’s award winner, Brenda is receiving a bursary of £1,500, paid in three instalments of £500 a year.
She also has access to the Foundation’s Student Support Programmes which include a named contact at the Foundation who keeps in touch throughout their time in higher education and can offer support and signposting.
There is the Peer Mentoring programme eBUddies which allows more experienced students to offer informal advice and a friendly ear to new award winners to support their transition to higher education, work shadowing and volunteering opportunities and training.
Each year the number of awards that the Foundation can offer increases. This year, 156 bursaries and scholarships were awarded and 50 laptops awarded through the Second Bytes projects which is supported by the Abbey Charitable Trust.
There are around 500 applications each year from deserving students whose further education colleges have chosen to nominate them (each college can put forward up to five students). The Foundation relies entirely on voluntary donations.
The photos show Brenda receiving her certificate from Lord Jones and also with, left to right: University of Bedfordshire Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE, Dr Ann Limb (Chair of Trustees, Helena Kennedy Foundation), Lord Jones and UCMK Dean Dr Keith Straughan.
Latest news» 2010» January» Brenda benefits from her bursary award
