Each year since 2021, two £5,000 scholarships have been awarded to two students who have overcome adversity, engaged with the University of Greenwich during school/college or their current studies, and have been nominated by a teacher or adviser from their institution.
In 2021, Joshua Feria De La Torre and Isobel McKay were the first recipients of the Visionary Scholarship. There were 21 nominations by teachers from partner schools and colleges overall.
Joshua, who started in Computer Science, said:
I am looking forward to a new challenge at Greenwich and spending time in a wonderful location. The scholarship will help me with the equipment I need for my course, as well as travel. I have Autism and will be living at home, so it is important for me to study nearby.
On the importance Visionary Scholarship, a teacher from Bishop Justus School:
I am very grateful to University of Greenwich for awarding one of our students with the Visionary Scholarship for 2023. This is such an amazing opportunity for them. I am extremely proud that one of our students will be able to attend your university, after overcoming challenges during their educational journey.
That student goes on to let us know: “After overcoming challenges, some of which are still ongoing, I am grateful to be chosen by the University of Greenwich to receive the Visionary Scholarship. This scholarship will be a great help towards furthering my education. Thank you!”
Thank you to donor, John Maynard
The scholarship has been donated by John Maynard, a Greenwich alumnus, businessman and volunteer at the university, who also sponsors a PhD scholarship and internship opportunities.
In 2022, the university confirmed a new fundraising agreement with John – a gift of £165,000 over four years that will support student internships, PhD scholarships and new starters. The continuation of, and in increase in the value of, the History Research Group and Visionary Scholarships, in addition to the new internships programme, sit at the core of the university’s commitment to an Education Without Boundaries.
John attended the university after retiring from a manufacturing company he co-founded and developed for 30 years. He graduated from Greenwich in 2017 with a MA in History. He truly appreciated the enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment of Greenwich’s teaching staff and found interacting with students again, after 50 years away from study, an enlightening and refreshing experience.
How you can support students through scholarships
Through the newly launched Greenwich Annual Fund, you can support student scholarships – your gift no matter the size when combined with alumni and friends, can make a difference to a bright, capable person who might miss out on university due to their financial circumstances.
Donate today to the Annual Fund.
You can also set up a regular donation of £5, £10, or £50 which provides consistent funding, allowing the university to plan and implement long-term support for students all year round. Setup a monthly donation.
