Zoya Anwar from Stretford is studying computer science at the University of Manchester
A student from Stretford, Manchester received the Amazon Future Engineer Student Scholarship to assist her during her studies.
The computer science student at the University of Manchester receives the £ 5,000 grant to buy a laptop.
The scholarship is part of a collaboration between the Royal Academy of Engineering and Amazon and aims to help students who have a drive and passion for computers and technology.
Zoya was optimistic about her start into university life and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said, “Right now we’re getting to grips with the basics of programming, and that really convinced me that this was the right course.
“I’ve always enjoyed the logical and mathematical sides of computer science. I loved mathematics at school and did an internship that put me on an exciting career path and showed me the different sides of the subject. “
She added, “I had read about the scholarship online and it was amazing to get this call from the university saying I received it.
“Access to additional funding through the scholarship means I can buy a better laptop that will support the programs I’m working on with the course. Looking ahead, the scholarship will also help me when we study in the classroom again, as it will cover the costs of travel and accommodation during my stay. “
Zoya adds that she is looking forward to the future: “I can’t wait to explore the world of computer science further and I am particularly excited about machine learning. It is reassuring to know that I also have the scholarship behind me to support me on my way. “
Twelve awards worth up to four years worth £ 5,000 per year will be given to students transitioning from an A-level or technical education to university for the 2021/22 academic year.
The new scholarships will help students who demonstrate a drive and passion for computer science and engineering, and an understanding of how innovation and creativity in these areas can help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.
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Women are still significantly underrepresented in engineering and technology in higher education. The UCAS data on the application and acceptance figures at universities for the 2020 cycle showed that women only 16% and 18% of the accepted applications for IT and
With current progress, equality for women in engineering will not be achieved until 2085.
Dr. Hayaatun Sillem CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said, “The Academy and Amazon share an ambition to inspire and support young people to become the next generation of engineers, and I welcome the opportunity to work together to create more women to promote. ”and girls of all backgrounds to start a career in engineering and computer science.
“We need a greater variety of views and experiences in these professions in order to find effective solutions to the many challenges facing society. As things stand, it would take 74 years to reach the same number of women in these subjects as men in courses. We just can’t afford to wait that long.
“Our new fellowship program with the Royal Academy of Engineering will help more women become the innovation leaders in the UK,” said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager, Amazon.
“More needs to be done to encourage women to get into these areas and to break down barriers that students face. The Amazon Future Engineer scholarship program is just one of the ways we are helping to increase the share of women in the UK’s innovation economy and exciting careers in computer science. “
Click for more information on the scholarship Here.
