The £1,000 bursary is awarded each year to 25 University of Bedfordshire students who have demonstrated to the University excellent academic achievement and potential, in the face of personal hardships or financial problems.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said the funding provided by The Steel Charitable Trust works in tandem with the University’s ethos.

“The Steel Charitable Trust enables our activities across the whole of our mission,” said Mr Rammell.

“Students here represent the best of what we’re about; identifying and supporting potential. We want to ensure they have the best opportunity to achieve their aspirations.”

One recipient this time around was Wendy O’Neill, who studied the Psychology and Criminal Behaviour Foundation degree at University Campus Milton Keynes before progressing to the full course at Luton.

By supporting victims of crime as part of her work experience, Wendy – who has also raised awareness of female genital mutilation – has earned valuable life and career skills to apply to her studies.

“It’s been a really big opportunity both ways round,” said Wendy. “I’ve been able to apply the knowledge I’ve learnt on the course and bring that practicality home.”

Wendy is going to put the bursary towards travel costs to and from University, which will allow her to continue her studies and provide for her children.

Another recipient was Jade Parsons, a student nurse at Bedfordshire who has a passion for helping people through illness and injury. As well as raising over £4,000 for charity by running the London Marathon, Jade is the student voice for Health Education East of England.

Nicholas Wright, the Chairman of the Trustees of The Steel Charitable Trust, said:

“The Trust is very pleased to continue to be associated with the University in support of such bursaries and is delighted that the students continue with their studies and achieve such high standards.

“Please use the money sensibly; it is there for a purpose. Use it as best you can and go on and succeed in life.”

About The Steel Charitable Trust

The Steel Charitable Trust was established in 1976 by the late Mr and Mrs Walter Reginald Steel, who had lived in Luton for almost all their lives.

The Trust has been associated with the University for over 20 years. During that time the Trust has provided an Endowment to finance the Powdrill Chair in English Language Acquisition for a period of 20 years and has conditionally agreed to continue to provide an annual grant for the following five years. The Trust also established another Endowment to finance PhD students.

As well as the education sector, the Trust provides grants in the following areas: arts and heritage, environment, health, and social or economic disadvantage. Applications for grants from Bedfordshire generally and Luton in particular are welcomed.

• Photos of the event