How did you spend your vacation periods at university?

Did you see the world, take part in volunteering projects, grasp every opportunity that came your way? For many of our Gold Scholars, these activities are out of reach – whether that’s due to cost, location or the need to work instead. 

The Gold Scholarship (GSP) Opportunities Fund exists to help our scholars achieve their dreams. It was launched in 2019 thanks to a generous donation from Kate Aldridge (MSci Mathematics & Physics 2012), and has enabled young people to visit new countries, undertake valuable training courses and help others, furthering their personal development and building their employability.

To reach more of our students than ever before, we need your help. 

 What could your donation do? 

• £10 could supply a day’s subsistence for a scholar volunteering abroad 
• £25 could contribute to a scholar’s train tickets to an event or conference 
• £100 could provide accommodation for a scholar on an unpaid placement 
• £500 could help a scholar reach their sporting goals at an intensive training camp 

Previous recipients 

Thanks to the GSP Opportunities Fund, our Gold Scholars have undertaken a wide range of activities, from cultural visits through to extracurricular qualifications. Last year, we were able to offer financial support to six students – here are some of their stories: 

Ghazala

As a Syrian refugee supported by a Gold Scholarship, giving back is a cause close to Biomedical Sciences student Ghazala Al Ous’ heart. Thanks to an award of £1,400 from the GSP Opportunities Fund, last summer she was able to spend two weeks in Athens, Greece working with charity Medical Volunteers International at a clinic for displaced people.

“It was very good to meet new people who love to share their knowledge and skills to help vulnerable people in hard situations,” said Ghazala. 

Will

When Mathematics student Will Manley secured the chance to attend the Open Data Science Conference Europe in London last November, he knew it would be an unmissable event. However, while he was able to volunteer at the event to secure free entrance, the cost of travel and accommodation proved prohibitive.

Thanks to an award of £200 from the GSP Opportunities Fund, Will was able to purchase train tickets and book a hotel room, meaning that this invaluable chance to broaden his industry knowledge and build his network was no longer out of reach. 

Emily

It’s not just opportunities involving travel that we support: the Fund also enables students to take up otherwise unattainable opportunities closer to home. “I was really pleased when the Scholarship recognised the opportunity I was able to secure here in Bath,” explained Team Bath rhythmic gymnast and Natural Sciences student Emily Parkinson, who received £700 from the Fund.

This money enabled Emily to attend two training camps run by top gymnasts, as well as spend a fortnight participating in a lab project with the University’s Department of Chemistry. 

How can you help? 

Donate today to help our students reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances. 

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