On Thursday 9 February, alumni and students came together for the Leaders of Tomorrow Reception to celebrate the successes of the Student Support Programmes available at the University of Birmingham and to thank donors for their generosity.
Through the support of alumni and supporters, the University has enabled over 500 students from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete the Academic Enrichment Programme (including a week-long residential school), 338 talented students to take up an Access to Birmingham (A2B) scholarship and place at the University, and funded over 100 internships.
The Leaders of Tomorrow Reception, which is the third event of its kind, was kindly hosted by Sarah Lee (LLB Law, 1987) at the law offices of Slaughter and May in London. Upon arrival, students were given a presentation on the graduate scheme offered at Slaughter and May, and a tour of the offices led by current trainees.
The event gave alumni and supporters a unique opportunity to meet some of the students who have benefited from the Student Support Programmes. Through speeches and networking, alumni and supporters were able to hear of the students’ experiences at Birmingham, their future career aspirations and how these programmes have assisted them. Students also benefitted from advice and work placement offers given to them by alumni in attendance.
“The A2B scheme has provided me the essentials in order to attain an academically successful time at university as well as on my placement. The A2B scheme provided me with something which is the key to success: motivation.”
Eiranpreet Khangura (3rd year Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science student)
“I had the privilege of meeting one of the A2B donors who had only graduated in 1999 and had already achieved so much in his career. It was very inspiring to hear how he had achieved so much in such a short time since his graduation. The advice he gave me was invaluable, especially when he emphasised the importance of participation in other activities alongside my academic studies.”
Kalita Patel (3rd year Chemical Engineering student)
If you would like more information about the Student Support Programmes at the University, please contact Emma Hazlewood on +44 (0) 121 414 7957 or e.j.hazlewood@bham.ac.uk.