Female engineering students have shared their stories about how AESSEAL funding has helped change their lives.

Since 2016, the company has supported women studying at Sheffield Hallam University with 20 scholarships and 123 bursaries, providing opportunities for the beneficiaries to thrive with fewer financial barriers.

In their annual Scholarship and Bursary Update, the university said the money meant 99 per cent of its students worried less and 91pc felt more confident.

All students supported are from under-represented groups, with 11 having a disability, the same number coming from households with no income, four being estranged from their families, 15 from ethnic minority groups, two refugees, and two having caring responsibilities.

Second year aerospace engineering scholar Taz says:

My scholarship has made a difference to me because I’ve not had to worry about buying food or university books. It’s meant that I didn’t need to get a job to support myself through my course, especially as it’s so intense. It’s given me the space I need to look after my mental health. The support has helped me so much with my day-today life.

First year chemical engineering degree student Sando, who is estranged from her family, says without the financial support she would have been forced to undertake two jobs in her foundation year, and adds:

I’ve been able to explore more about careers in engineering this year, even if they weren’t what I was originally expecting to be interested in. I’m really interested in innovation and sustainability, and it’s been fun to see what is out there when I finish my course.

Software engineering student Amira said:

I’ve received a top-up bursary every year of my course, and I did a placement at AESSEAL so I’m really thankful for all your support. Some of us are the first in our family to go to university and we struggle with balancing university, work and the general cost of living. Donations like these really make a big difference.

Others have used the money to fund IT equipment and a study abroad programme, pay for public transport and childcare, take extra tutoring and, most of all, they say it has given them peace of mind.

In March two bursary recipients, Elle and Joylin, were invited to attend the IMechE Yorkshire Regional Dinner at the Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield. Joylin said:

It was such a memorable evening and I’m so thankful I was able to go. I wouldn’t have been considered had I not been an AESSEAL bursary student.

Sheffield Hallam university senior philanthropy officer Jasmine Welsh said:

“Your donation continues to give the next generation of engineers the chance to focus on their degrees, explore professional development opportunities and dive into their careers within the sector with fewer financial burdens. Thank you for supporting women in engineering through impactful scholarships and bursaries.