The scholarships are now open for a third year to Norfolk residents wishing to study science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects. They will support one undergraduate and one masters student at the University of East Anglia (UEA) who wouldn’t otherwise have the means to pursue their studies.
This year’s successful scholarship recipients are Dean, originally from Beccles, who will be studying an MSc in cyber security and Daniel , born and bred in Norwich, who will be taking a BSc in Engineering with a foundation year.
Neither thought they’d have the opportunity to study but are on the way to realising their ambitions through the scholarship award. Daniel wants to be an engineer but thought his lack of Maths A-level would make that impossible – an issue overcome through his foundation year.
He said: “I want to be a part of the change towards renewables and build a better planet that’s why I chose engineering.”
“This scholarship means I don’t have to work at a job all the time and can focus on my studies.”
Dean looked into university after leaving the RAF and wasn’t even aware that scholarships existed.
He said: “The scholarship really matched with my values, I’m trying to live as green a life as possible. Having kids has made me want to do that because I want to leave the planet a better place for them. I’ve really learned from them – they’re all about the environment.
“I’m excited to try something new and different. I’ve thrown myself in the deep end and fingers crossed that I can swim. I like to challenge myself so I can grow.”
The scholarships are part of the larger Hornsea 3 Community Benefit Fund which commits £7 million to projects developed by and for the benefit of the local community in North Norfolk.
Orla Condra, Development Manager at the University of East Anglia, said: “We are very proud of our incredible partnership with Orsted, whose generous funding has helped alleviate the broader financial pressures of pursuing higher education. By continuing their support through these Greener Future Scholarships, Orsted are helping us to realise our vision for a campus where talent and ambition, not circumstance, paves the way for the success.”
Lauren Little, Senior Stakeholder Advisor, Ørsted, said: “At Ørsted we know education and skills are vital in delivering a greener future. We’re playing our part by supporting students to achieve their ambitions whether that be taking the next step in education like Daniel or transitioning from the forces like Dean, we're removing barriers to accessing higher education through scholarships.”
