This year, team PimpMyStride (Cesca, Shemina, Johann and Emily) are going to be walking 23 miles in aid of student scholarships at the University of Sheffield.

The chance to embark on study in an area they are passionate about can be beyond the financial capabilities of many students through no fault of their own. Because of this some of the best and brightest people in society may be excluded from contributing all they can, as they cannot get to the starting point many careers require. 

We believe that we need a diversity of ideas, backgrounds and experience in our top professions. We won't get this if people from poorer backgrounds aren't able to attend university because they can't afford the living costs.

This could be the trainee doctor coming from a low income household, the future business leader who has just left care, or an aspiring lawyer looking to specialise through postgraduate study. Scholarships funded by donations allow all these individuals to study at our great University and get the best start in their careers. 

Financial support for students can come in many different forms - from full awards covering fees or living expenses, to grants which allow students to cut back on their part time work and focus on their studies.

Studying abroad can take the experience a student gets from Sheffield to another level, but for students from low-income backgrounds, the cost of foreign travel can put this incredible opportunity out of reach. Experiencing an international education can be incredibly worthwhile for students, whether it is living in the country of the language they are studying, or visiting a geographical formation they’ve only seen in pictures. We want to make sure this opportunity is within reach of all students, and thanks to donations, our Study Abroad and Exchange Scholarships make this possible.

But support can also come through the University’s Hardship Fund, which supports students who are facing financial difficulties due to exceptional, and unpredictable circumstances.