Through our Hallam Fund undergraduate scholarship programme our donor community have so far helped two students overcome significant barriers to get to university.     

First year environmental science student Ben is one of our Hallam Fund scholars. He has a strong interest in conservation and wanted to have a positive impact on the world, which led him to choose Environmental Science as a degree. Originally from Sheffield, he decided to study at Sheffield Hallam because of the course and its opportunities, but also to stay close to his family.  

Ben's brother has a severe learning difficulty, and several years ago Ben's father had a life-changing illness. He wanted to be able to move out and live independently to have the 'student experience', while still being close enough to visit and support his family.  

Ben decided to apply for the scholarship because it would mean less pressure on his family to provide support for him. Ben said; 'Money has been short the last few years, and I have another brother who is also in University so my parents can't support me, even though they'd like to. The student loan mainly goes to rent, so the scholarship will really help with living costs, and I'd like to save some for my third year to do a placement abroad.'  

The scholarship has offered Ben the opportunity to take advantage of everything his course offers, without the stress of how he will be able to afford it. He has been able to move out, and experience life as an independent student, whilst focusing on his future career improving our environment.  

Right now, hundreds of students from similar backgrounds are working hard to achieve a place at this university and we want to provide financial support to ensure these students can continue their studies and graduate. They’ve all demonstrated resilience, skill and ambition. That’s why it’s so difficult to decide who is most deserving of a life-changing scholarship.  

Nellie is another one of our scholars at Sheffield Hallam University.  

Nellie has overcome many challenges on her journey to study at Hallam.  A mature student and mother of two young children, Nellie came to Sheffield from Zimbabwe where she is studying her course in quantity surveying.  Receiving the scholarship Nellie says: ‘It is difficult to sum up all my gratitude and emotions that I am feeling towards being awarded with this scholarship. Sheffield Hallam gave me an equal chance by easing off my financial burdens. The scholarship has eradicated my day to day worries that would have otherwise taken a toll on my studies and made it possible for me to focus. I feel so very lucky for this financial assistance. It makes me want to push myself and do my best.’ 

Thanks to the support of our donors, Nellie can support her family, while she commits to advancing her life through education. 

But the demand for scholarships is growing and each year, sadly, hundreds of students like Ben and Nellie miss out. That’s why your gift is so incredibly important. You’ll break down barriers for a disadvantaged student and help them succeed through education to reclaim their future.