Scholars who received £18k from L&Q feel “lucky” as they embark on job search

Three graduates who received £18,000 scholarships from L&Q have described how “proud” they felt to be selected for the programme.

Yvanah, Adam and Che have documented their university experiences in a video diary since being awarded their scholarships in 2019.

And in their final video, filmed as they make their first forays into the world of work, they have expressed the confidence that having the support of L&Q has given them.

Yvanah, who studied games design at Bournemouth University, recently landed her dream job as a production intern at PlayStation.

She said:

“I’m happy for this next step and feel super lucky. The scholarship was a security blanket that allowed me to do what I wanted, go into the university experience, and make the most of it.

“I’m going to start living with less debt and less pressure, but it also gave me the motivation that it’s not just my parents that I have to make proud; I have to make you guys [L&Q] proud as well because you are sponsoring this education.”

Adam, who studied photography at Norwich University of the Arts, said:

“The scholarship reduced the stress I would have had with applying for university loans, which allowed me to focus more on my university experience. University has boosted my confidence and helped me focus on where I’m going after.”

And Che, who studied Business and Marketing at Roehampton University, said that the programme's benefits went beyond the financial help.

He said:

“The scholarship gave me confidence not just because you’ve got the money but because it’s a scholarship. When you tell people that, that’s what builds confidence for you, the fact that you’re worth a scholarship.

“Looking at future prospects, it’s looking favourable that I will get something in the new year for the sector I want to be in.”

The Turlogh O’Brien programme, which has a total value of over £400,000, was launched by L&Q in 2017 to give young residents from financially excluded households an accessible route into higher education.

So far, it has helped 23 students who may not have otherwise been able to attend university.

The programme is named after L&Q’s previous Chairman, a passionate advocate for social housing and higher education.

The funding consists of three annual £6,000 contributions towards the students’ tuition fees and an optional paid month-long internship with L&Q in the second year of their studies, worth £2,000.

Aisha Chaudhry, Strategic Project Manager at the L&Q Foundation, said:

“We believe everyone has a right to the same educational opportunities, regardless of their financial means."

“Through the Turlough O’Brien programme, we have watched many young people flourish over the years, and our most recent graduates are no exception.

“It has been a pleasure to see how well Adam, Che and Yvanah have done, and I have no doubt that they, and all the other scholars in their cohort, have a bright future ahead of them.”