How your support for students has made a difference in 2020
You will have seen and heard what a difficult year it has been for students across the UK. Here in Nottingham it has been no different, which is why your ongoing support has been so valuable. Thank you.
Our Pro-Vice-Chancellor For Education & Student Experience, Sarah Speight gives her thanks and provides an insight into how the year has been below and then you can read how your generous donations have been put to use during the year.
Looking after our students and supporting them in the face of coronavirus
In the spring we launched our Covid-19 Emergency Appeal, to provide assistance for students across our global campuses, ensuring they have the financial support they need to continue their studies.
Over 250 students have applied for financial assistance during 2020 - more than double last year. Thanks to your generous support over £50,000 has been raised to date and these donations have been a lifeline for students in need of equipment to continue their studies and transportation to return home to loved ones.
Enabling students to make their mark on the community
Our Cascade funding programme has continued to thrive, which is testament to the determination of students in ensuring their ideas can still be realised, even in the middle of a global pandemic!
15 projects have been successful in their applications during 2020, with many more from previous years also continuing to excel. One of the most successful, Foodprint, celebrated its third anniversary this year.
The social enterprise, which takes food from supermarkets near its use-by date and sells it on from a shop in Sneinton came into its own during the pandemic, providing an essential resource for many struggling to make ends meet.
It was even recognised with an Outstanding Civic Contribution award in the annual Vice-Chancellor's awards this summer!
Keeping the pathways open for talented students from all walks of life
More than ever before our scholarships programme has needed your support to ensure students from disadvantaged backgrounds are not further adversely affected during the pandemic.
So we're delighted to say 219 talented students have received their place at the University in 2020 thanks to a Nottingham Potential scholarship, beginning the first steps on a world-changing journey - thanks to you. This is one more than in 2019, so it really does mean so much that you have found the time and capacity to provide this financial support in such a challenging year.
Supporting our sports stars and enabling participation for all
And our sports offering has continued to go from strength to strength, with your donations over the last year providing 32 different clubs with equipment and coaching to go further and achieve more.
For any of you who participated when you were here, you will know the BUCS League is the pinnacle of University sport, with Loughborough almost always coming out on top. In 2020 as we speak, Nottingham is currently top of the overall standings, with an almost 150 point advantage over Loughborough!
Likewise we once again were named Sports University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times 2021 Good University Guide, the second time in three years we have received the accolade.
Thank you again for all your support in 2020.
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