1 Mar 2024
We are pleased to introduce the first cohort of six Ragdoll Foundation Scholars. All are young women; four from the North East of England. Four are studying for BA degrees in English Literature, Geography, Sociology, and Psychology, and two for MAs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Creative Writing.
They are already reporting that the scholarship is having a positive impact on their University experience:
Coming from a very poor area of Newcastle Upon Tyne, I became the most qualified member of my family when I finished my GCSEs. It was never even thought that I would ever go to university, but scholarships such as the one you have enabled me to get have allowed me to pursue my dream as an English teacher to disadvantaged children.
For the first time I now own a laptop. I previously relied on local libraries to access educational content.
Thanks to your help, starting University from a less secure economic background has not been as difficult as anticipated.
The programme has allowed me to access so many new and exciting opportunities such as going on the geography trip this year and being able to put a deposit on a house without any worries.
I am now in a position where I can jump head first into studying, and I’ve never been happier. I am waking up every day knowing my routine consists of reading and talking about books!
It has allowed me to experience University without having financial stress limiting my academics or my life outside University.
The Ragdoll Foundation Scholarship Programme is fully administered by the University of Sheffield. For student enquiries about this programme please contact funding@sheffield.ac.uk.
Ragdoll Foundation Scholars also receive bespoke careers coaching, internship opportunities in local small and midsize enterprises (SMEs), and employability funding – giving them the best possible chance of building successful, fulfilling careers after graduating.
With a focus on widening participation amongst underrepresented groups, the initiative is particularly keen to support young women and students from the North East of England who want to take on a degree with a strong creative element. Eligible disciplines include English, Modern Languages, Music, Architecture, Landscape, Marketing, Education, Philosophy, Urban & Planning Studies, and Archaeology.
