LOM set up an annual travel bursary in memory of Karla Roman, a talented architect and colleague who was killed while cycling to work in February 2017. As well as the UK, Karla worked in Italy and in her native Brazil. She travelled to build her architectural knowledge, and the Karla Roman Travel Bursary was established to enable other architecture students to do the same.

Open to all UK and international students at any stage of their studies, studying architecture or similar as a full or part-time undergraduate or postgraduate student. The bursary gives future architects and interior design students the opportunity to travel as part of their education and apply up to £2,500. It will be awarded to the applicant providing the most creative and compelling case for support, with financial circumstances and need being taken into account.

Farid Abdulla, a previous bursary recipient, expressed that “Experiencing a change of environment facilitated a cognitive shift and a clarity of thought, particularly regarding my career as a designer and urbanist. I discovered layers of imagination that I will continue to nurture, as well as an appreciation for where best to place myself when I finish my studies. The bursary allowed me to have a beautiful experience that has forever changed me.”

LOM Director, Richard Hutchinson added that Karla Roman was “an extraordinarily talented colleague who rapidly became a key member of our team, set on course for a very promising career but was taken far too soon. It was therefore deeply important to us all at the practice to establish this bursary in 2018 in Karla’s name to help expand the minds and experiences of other aspiring designers.”

Another previous winner of the award, Eleanor Hyde, said that “The opportunity to travel to a country with a very different culture from the UK has proved to be an invaluable experience to my thinking as an architect, informing my design approach, broadening my knowledge and helping to shape my way of thinking in the future.”

LOM would like to hear from applicants for the 2024 bursary by Friday 3rd May 2024 with a view to travel this summer, approximately between June and October 2024.

Please apply at: https://lom-architecture.com/travel-bursary

In2science was established in 2010 to unlock the potential of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and boost diversity and inclusion in the sector to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) based industries.

The In2STEM programme provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for young people to collaborate with dedicated volunteer STEM professionals, undertaking cutting-edge research and learning STEM skills in some of Britain’s pioneering centres of STEM education, research and industry.

The programme is for 17-year-olds passionate about STEM and runs from 22 July to 23 August 2024. It offers a blend of online and in-person activities and equips students the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to excel in STEM. The programme is free to join, and the charity provides a bursary, to cover travel and lunch expenses during placements.

The OR Society is partnering with In2scienceUK to sponsor two young people who will have work placements and mentors within operational research at universities. They will also be delivering virtual workshops on operational research for the entire cohort of students participating in the programme at the end of the summer.

Operational research (OR) involves the application of advanced mathematical techniques such as modelling, optimisation, and simulation, with innovative problem-solving approaches, to address complex real-world challenges, and OR professionals are in high demand across many sectors.

However, a recent YouGov survey on behalf of education charity, Teach First highlighted the UK’s STEM skills shortage is at risk of growing, as more than half of parents (51%) from a lower socio-economic background believe their children are “unlikely” to have a career in science, technology, engineering and maths.

According to In2scienceUK there is an annual shortfall of 40,000 STEM skilled workers with the number of future technical jobs forecast to increase. With salaries in STEM being 20% higher than other sectors, In2scienceUK say getting more young people from low-income backgrounds into these professions promotes social mobility and fights economic inequality.

Chiara Carparelli, Education Manager at The OR Society said: “We are excited to help inspire the next generation of young STEM professionals. The In2STEM programme is helping to address the skills shortage and encourage young people to consider a STEM based career such as OR.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to make informed choices, boost their academic profile and prepare for a successful future in the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Proficiency in STEM subjects is vital for those aspiring for a career in OR. With technologies like AI and data analytics advancing, job opportunities for OR specialists are expected to surge in the coming years and encouraging young people from all backgrounds into these careers is vital.”

To find out more about In2STEM, including how young people can apply visit: https://in2scienceuk.org/our-programmes/in2stem
To explore the career possibilities within OR visit: www.theorsociety.com/get-involved/or-in-education/careers.

The 17-year-old, from Corbridge, raced to victory at Croft Circuit on Saturday 17th February to clinch the career-launching prize, valued at up to £40,000. It marks a significant milestone for the teen, who is studying for his A Levels at Dame Allan’s Schools, in Newcastle, while embarking on a promising journey in motorsport.

Will was among thirty talented teenage drivers who participated in the rigorous one-day scholarship competition at the North Yorkshire racing circuit. Contenders took part in on-track driving assessments, group fitness challenges, simulated racing driving and pitstop activities.

Commenting after his success, Will said: “I’m extremely proud to represent the JSCC in their 10-year anniversary as their scholarship winner, especially given the incredible display of talent from the rest of the entrants. I really can’t wait for the start of my very first full season.”

Will started competing in the JSCC – a racing series for talented young drivers between the ages of 14 and 17, offering close and highly competitive racing at tracks across the UK – last year, having previously trained on a sim in his bedroom. He is the seventh driver to be awarded a JSCC scholarship since the series launched in 2014, with previous winners now having successful careers in F1 academy and F4.

JSCC coordinator Dave Beecroft, said: “We’re looking forward to working with this young man in 2024; a super scholarship winner!”

Will sat his GCSEs while competing as a rookie in the 2023 series. Despite being involved in a crash just days before his GCSE Geography exam, he collected an impressive set of grade 7s and an 8 on results day. He is now studying for A Levels in Geography, Design and Technology and Business at Dame Allan’s Sixth Form, in Fenham.

His mum, Tracey Crewdson, said: “Will works very hard and we owe so much to Dame Allan’s for the amazing grounding they have given him. The school has played a huge role in his journey.
“He is going to be a great ambassador for the JSCC series. While his driving ability was 99.9% of the scholarship assessment, his character, kindness and hard work ethic also shone through. This is a huge opportunity, and we are immensely proud of him.”

The opening rounds of the 2024 Junior Saloon Car Championship are scheduled to take place across the weekend of March 31/April 1 at Brands Hatch. As part of Will’s scholarship, all registration and race entry fees will be covered, and he will have use, transportation and storage of a race car for the full JSCC season. He will continue to race with Orex Competition during his final year as a junior.

Mrs Crewdson added: “His profile will be really raised this year before he goes on to race in adult competitive series. We don’t know which path he’ll go down, but as long as his future involves four wheels and a race track he’ll be happy!”

Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, applauded Will’s success. He said: “Will demonstrates impressive resilience and determination. This wonderful scholarship opportunity on the back of an impressive set of GCSE results and a great start to his A Level studies is testament to his unwavering dedication and ability to excel in both academics and motorsports.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of British Science Week, an annual ten day celebration of all things STEM which this year will take place from 8th-17th March. The Kick Start Grant aims to give schools with children who are underrepresented in STEM subjects the chance to organise a programme of fun and engaging events and help the students discover the joy of science.

The grant, created by the BSA with support from UK Research and Innovation, intends to widen access and participation in STEM subjects by providing the opportunity for inspiration and engagement for children who may otherwise not have the opportunity to take part in science and discover their own passion for the subject.

In previous years, schools have used the grants to explore exciting STEM topics and activities such as a school-wide bridge building competition, hosting local ‘Festival of Science’ events, arranging visits to the London Zoo and Natural History Museum, hosting sensory exploration activities for SEND pupils, and more.

Applicant schools should be committed to breaking down misconceptions in STEM sectors and boosting confidence and enrichment for ethnic minority students or students from disadvantaged backgrounds and the BSA encourages applicants to reflect this in their proposed activities.

Susan Matambanadzo, Education Manager at the British Science Association said: “On the 30th anniversary of British Science Week, we are reminded of the great impacts the STEM sectors have on our society. From spaceships to solar energy to food science, it is important children of all backgrounds have the opportunity to engage with the world through science.

“We are dedicated to ensuring all children, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds or belong to ethnic minority communities, can engage in science learning through enriching projects and activities that help them discover their own love of STEM. Through Kick Start Grants, schools will receive the funding to help break down barriers to access a quality and inspiring science education.”

Kick Start Grants range from £150 or £700 depending on the level of activity or event applying schools plan to host. Any state-funded, non-selective schools or colleges in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are invited to apply if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Over 30% of pupils eligible for pupil premium or equivalent.
• Over 30% of pupils who are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
• Small school based in a remote and rural location.

Schools that apply for the grants will also be offered the opportunity to join the BSA’s newly launched Engage Teacher Network, a community of 1,500+ teachers who are committed to delivering science engagement activities for all students and who understand the barriers and potential solutions for schools in challenging circumstances. The Engage community encourages all teachers to share ideas, access free resources and apply for grants to help bring science to life for all young people.

Applications for Kick Start Grants close at 11.59pm, Monday 6th November 2023. For more information on Kick Start Grants, or to apply for a grant, please visit: https://www.britishscienceweek.org/grants/

The funds raised came from a successful art exhibition at Highfield and Brookham Schools in Liphook.

It featured work from 29 artists and four galleries as well as eight Old Highfieldians who also showcased their work at the popular three-day event.

The money has gone to the Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund, which was set up in 2007 with an aim to support children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend an independent school such as Highfield and Brookham. Typical candidates are children who are experiencing social or educational difficulties or children who have the ability to succeed academically if given the right support.

Artists and galleries exhibited an impressive range of artwork, including watercolour paintings, sculptures and drawings.

Suzannah Cryer, Head of Highfield, was in awe of the success of the art exhibition and paid tribute to parent Kaye Burke and her dedicated team of organisers.

She said: “The curation of the exhibition was nothing short of phenomenal, which was underlined by the number of pieces sold and the amazing amount of money raised for the Bursary Fund.
“But none of this would have been possible without the continuing extraordinary efforts of our parent fundraising committee and the generosity of the artists.”

Every exhibiting artist agreed to donate 25% of their sales and the Highfield art scholars donated 50% to the Bursary Fund in order to ensure that the school can continue to offer bursaries to children who, for many reasons, may not get the chance to access a private education.

Mrs Cryer also extended her warmest thanks to Knight Frank, Coolhurst Vineyards, Minnow and Wolf and Howden Group Holdings for their sponsorship and support as well as the supportive school community who attended the exhibition and purchased the works of art.

Highfield and Brookham Schools has awarded 20 bursaries since the fund’s inception in 2007.

The bursaries are funded jointly by the Fund and the school, covering all school fees, and also provides additional support for music lessons, sports equipment, school trips and uniform.
“The purpose of the bursary is to make a difference in a child’s life, not just academically but also physically, emotionally and socially. Ours are awarded to children we believe will gain the most from attending, ensuring they reach their full potential,” explained Mrs Cryer.

“These are the children we believe will engage with all of the opportunities Highfield and Brookham has to offer – ensuring they build life-long skills and develop long-lasting positive experiences and relationships.

The scholarships, launched by adult education provider City Lit in 2020, provide three annual awards worth up to £1,000 each, to fund one year’s study within the Creative Writing Department at City Lit. The awards seek to support and encourage the creative and professional development of writing by ‘unheard voices’, with the final award winners selected by acclaimed writer, City Lit fellow and Patron of the School of Culture and Communications, Malorie Blackman OBE.

Malorie Blackman (left) has a long connection with City Lit as a former student attending diverse courses since the late 1980s. She has been recognised with numerous honours for her work and in 2008 received an OBE for her services to children’s literature. Malorie was the Children’s Laureate between 2013 and 2015 and her autobiography was published on Stormzy’s Merky Books imprint this year.

City Lit’s Malorie Blackman Scholarships for Unheard Voices welcome applications from anybody who has a strong interest in writing and who demonstrates talent and potential in their writing skills. Students who identify as belonging to under-represented groups, which include (but is not exclusive to) those with disabilities, people from minority backgrounds and communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, refugees and BAME writers, are encouraged to enter.

City Lit CEO and Principal Mark Malcomson CBE said:  “Creative Writing has an amazing heritage and pedigree at City Lit with so many famous writers having enhanced their craft with us over the last 100 years. Malorie Blackman is one of our most famous alumni and a huge inspiration to all of us. Her relationship with City Lit shows how important creative writing courses can be in a writer’s career. We can’t wait to see what the next generation of writers has in store for us”.

Applications involve the submission of a piece of original writing no longer than 500 words in length (for prose writing) or up to 40 lines (for poetry), and a completed application form including a statement of up to 300 words identifying how you feel you meet the selection criteria. The extended deadline for submissions is Sunday 12th February 2023.

Find out more and download the application form at www.citylit.ac.uk/malorie-blackman-scholarships

Each year, British Science Week is an opportunity for students and their wider school community to get hands-on with all things science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and explore the brilliantly broad range of careers and opportunities in the field.

The grant scheme, run by the British Science Association and funded by UK Research and Innovation, aims to inspire and widen access for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to take part in science or gain exposure to the sector.

Last year saw schools use their grants in a range of exciting ways, from funding workshops and school trips to Kew Gardens to bringing in external speakers from local universities and businesses such as the University of Hull and Yorkshire Water. The grants also provide schools with additional resources to host STEM-themed competitions and projects; last year the grant enabled one group of Year Seven students to design a wellbeing garden for their whole school to enjoy and another school to grow a ‘spaghetti tower’, to help them understand how energy enables growth.

The grant scheme offers a range of levels to help remove barriers for schools in challenging circumstances, including:

• Kick Start Grant – a grant of £300 for schools to run an activity during British Science Week
• Kick Start Youth Grant – a grant of £150 for students aged 10-19 at school to organise and deliver an activity during British Science Week
• Kick Start More Grant – A grant of £700 for schools to host a science event or activity that involves your students and the local community, for example local businesses and employers
• Combined Kick Start Grant and Youth Grant – A grant of £450 for schools to run an activity during British Science Week and an additional activity organised and delivered by students aged 10-19.

To apply for the grant, schools are encouraged to submit an application for a project that is cross-curricular and challenges science stereotypes which will help engage students who are otherwise underrepresented in STEM. Schools are also invited to use the theme for British Science Week 2023 ‘Connections’ as inspiration for their events.

To be eligible for a grant, schools must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Over 30 per cent of pupils eligible for pupil premium, early years pupil premium or equivalent.
• Over 30 per cent of pupils who are from minority ethnic backgrounds.
• Be a small school based in a remote and rural location.

The British Science Association is also offering Community Grants of £500 and £1000 to help local community groups run their own projects and activities, in an effort to inspire and expand the number of people who enjoy and take part in science.

The British Science Week 2023 Community Grants and Kick Start Grants are now open for applications. The deadline for submission is midnight 7 November 2022. For full details on eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Kick Start Grants guidelines and 2023 Community Grants guidelines.

Applications will need to be submitted via the British Science Association online forms. Please visit the British Science Week Grants pages to apply.

For the fourth year running, Ecclesiastical Insurance and the Benefact Group are giving away £1million to charities through its Movement for Good awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 250 awards of £1,000 available now for donation.

Frogmore Community School Parents Association, Lauriston School Fund, and Sandy Lane School Association are among the schools and education charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support.

In total, more than 202,000 people around the UK supported the Movement for Good awards, with over 3,900 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes. The 250 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated, following 250 previous winners being selected in June.

It’s quick and easy to nominate, you can vote for your favourite charity online at: www.movementforgood.com

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our Movement for Good Awards. Benefact Group is the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the group grows, the more the group can give. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

A further 120 £1,000 grants will be given away in December and £500,000 will also be given in larger grants later this year. For more information about the awards visit www.movementforgood.com

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

The programme is operated on an annual basis by leading outdoor education charity, the Field Studies Council (FSC), and this year due to increased funding, there are a total of 75 scholarships on offer, all of which are heavily subsidised.

Dylan Byrne, Youth Engagement Officer for FSC, said the scholarships presented an “unmissable” opportunity for young people interested in developing their passion for the environment. “We’ve been running this programme successfully for the last 10 years and it’s a fantastic way for young people to develop their environmental skills and knowledge as well as build long-lasting friendships with other like-minded individuals.

“Due to increased funding, we have 75 places available on the programme this year – which is a fivefold increase in the number of scholarships compared to previous years – so it really is an unmissable opportunity, and we would encourage anyone interested to get their applications in as soon as they can.”

The scholarship programme, which was first introduced at FSC’s Preston Montford field centre near Shrewsbury – the birthplace of Charles Darwin – starts with a five-day immersive experience integrating fieldwork, biodiversity identification skills, career guidance and networking opportunities.

Scholars will also have access to ongoing mentoring and support as part of the scholarship programme, as well as online and in-person training from a range of FSC specialist staff and mentors.

This year, the on-site training will be run at five locations across the UK including the FSC’s own field centres at Preston Montford in Shrewsbury and Caste Head near Cumbria. Scholars will also use the YHA site at Potato Wharf in Manchester and undertake local site visits to Risley Moss and Rixton Clay Pits. In Bristol, training will be based at YHA Bristol at Narrow Quay and visits to Leigh Woods and Avon Grow Wilder will take place. In London, scholars will use training sites at Stave Hill, Regents Park and Bushy Park.

The scholarship programme has received significant funding through the Generation Green project and the Our Bright Future project as well as generous donations from organisations such as the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI) and Ground Control UK.

Dylan added: “This programme is aimed at supporting young people with their long-term environmental goals, whether that be supporting them onto the correct pathway to an environmental career, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to support a more sustainable lifestyle or enabling them to meet people who share the same mindset about the environment and nature recovery as they do.

“90 per cent of all scholarship fees are covered by the charity due to the funding and donations available. Successful applicants will only be asked to fund the remaining 10 per cent of the costs which works out to be either £45 or £90 depending on which location they visit. It really is a unique chance particularly for those who can’t easily access wide outdoor spaces from whey they live.”

Applications for this year’s programme close on June 5, 2022, and extra support is available for those individuals who may financially struggle to cover the remaining 10 per cent of the fees.

For further details on how to apply visit https://www.field-studies-council.org/young-darwin-scholarship-applications/

These grants will help schools to run CREST Awards with students who are currently underrepresented in science, including those who are from minority ethnic backgrounds, eligible for pupil premium, or based in small and rural schools.

Thanks to the support of UK Research and Innovation, up to £600 will be available for schools that meet the criteria. These grants will assist with CREST registration and resource costs, helping to remove financial barriers that may otherwise prevent students from participating in the Awards.

The CREST Awards aim to inspire young people to think and act like scientists and engineers through energising, curriculum-mapped practical projects that appeal to them. CREST allows students to take the lead on their own investigations and explore the real-life impact of science through a range of topics, from video gaming to the environment, enriching their learning and building their aspirations in science-based subjects and careers.

BSA research has shown that the benefits of CREST are particularly significant for disadvantaged students, with Free School Meals (FSM)-eligible students who completed CREST Silver Awards or higher showing a two-thirds of a grade improvement. FSM-eligible students who completed CREST Silver Awards were also found to be 38 per cent more likely to take a STEM subject at AS level.

Through the underrepresented audiences grants programme, the BSA therefore aims to widen access to CREST’s flexible science-based projects and close attainment gaps, all whilst inspiring young people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with science.

Jane Dowden, Education Innovations Manager at the British Science Association, said: “For many years, certain groups of people have been missing or excluded from STEM subjects. At the British Science Association, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to engage in science and develop a passion for STEM subjects.

“Through outreach programmes like our grants, we can help to increase science-based opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds, so more students can develop a real interest in STEM. By removing financial barriers to science education, we hope to inspire a whole new generation of scientists from all walks of life.”

Applications are now open and the deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday 15 October 2021. More information on eligibility and how to apply can be found at https://help.crestawards.org/portal/en/kb/articles/crest-for-underrepresented-audiences-funding