Scholarships changing lives
For students like Juliet and Grace, a scholarship is the turning point between simply surviving and truly thriving. It’s the safety net that replaces financial anxiety with a sense of belonging. Read their stories to see how donor support helps our students embrace every opportunity at Sheffield.
Juliet's story
For aspiring medic Juliet, a scholarship funded by the late Steven Smart (Class of 1979) represents more than just financial support; the gift he left in his Will is allowing Juliet to fully embrace university life alongside her better-off peers.
It was the mid 1970s when Steven set his sights on coming to Sheffield to study Biochemistry. His time here, and his route to a distinguished career at Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motors, wasn't without its bumps in the road. But these only inspired Steven to help others facing their own challenges.
Today, the hurdles facing students are increasingly complex. The rising cost of living means that many feel forced to take on multiple jobs just to cover life’s essentials, and they’re unable to participate fully in all that university has to offer. This strain can lead to exhaustion, feelings of isolation, lower grades, or the difficult decision to leave their studies altogether.
From one Sheffield alumnus to the next
By leaving a gift of more than £10,000 in his Will, Steven now funds life-changing scholarships for students like Juliet who have the talent, but lack the safety net needed to thrive at university. By providing financial security, a scholarship allows students to stay enrolled and focus on their academic goals, rather than their bank balances.
Beyond the classroom, this support unlocks a sense of belonging that’s so often missing for underrepresented students. It pays for the bus pass that gets them to a 9am lecture, the membership fee for a society where they make lifelong friends, and the chance to explore a new city without the constant anxiety of a zero bank balance.
The scholarship has taken away that constant worry over costs. Whether it’s joining a society or travel to uni, I feel so much more confident now — it's given me the freedom to enjoy my time here.
Juliet
Aspiring medic and recipient of the scholarship
Generosity that lives on
Steven’s legacy is a powerful example of how one person’s foresight can foster promise in others. It acts as a timely reminder that while the road to graduation and beyond can sometimes be tough, the right support ensures no talented individual has to walk it alone.
Read more about Steven's story
Grace's story
For some students, the financial worries that cloud the university journey can be immense. For Grace , a scholarship funded by your kindness removed this burden. The financial support not only allowed Grace to accept her place at Sheffield, but also to seize life-changing opportunities.
"When I first arrived at Sheffield to study education, I had no idea just how life-changing it would be. Three years later, I can honestly say it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
But before I came, the excitement was overshadowed by one massive stress: I didn’t know how I’d afford it. As the first in my family to go to university, I worried constantly about how I’d manage. I felt terrible about relying on my mum, knowing any help she gave would strain her own finances.
A weight lifted
Receiving the scholarship changed everything overnight. It wasn’t just that the immediate financial pressure was lifted; it gifted me the ability to have a truly memorable university experience, just like my peers. The support gave me permission to seize opportunities I would have had to miss otherwise.
Thanks to the scholarship, I didn’t have to sacrifice student activities like going out with friends or joining societies. Crucially, I was able to fully immerse myself in new experiences, like completing a summer school in South Korea. The personal growth from that trip was invaluable. I even started Irish Dancing again, something I hadn’t been able to afford since I was a child.
Because of your support, I was not only able to attend university — I was able to truly experience it.
Grace
Scholarship recipient
Looking to the future
My primary school placement here in Sheffield was confirmation that I was on the right path. Building relationships with the children was so special, even though saying goodbye was incredibly difficult. I still have the fantastic self-portraits they drew in my goodbye card! I’ll always be grateful that Sheffield included such an impactful placement in my degree.
Now, I’m moving on to study a PGCE in secondary mathematics. It’s thanks to the strong, stress-free foundations I built here at Sheffield that I have the confidence and freedom to pursue this long-standing ambition. I’m genuinely excited about the possibilities ahead and the chance I now have to build a future I can be proud of."