Organised by charity upReach, the Awards recognises the achievements of undergraduate students and the staff who help them.
This year’s ceremony is set to be the biggest yet, with 18 awards and 200 attendees gathering at Mansion House – the official residence of London’s Lord Mayor – to celebrate.
The nominated students have found success despite socio-economic challenges: 68% of nominees were the first in their family to attend university, 60% were eligible for free school meals and 35% had caring responsibilities or were previously in care.
Two students, a staff member and a support programme from the University of Bristol have been shortlisted and will be heading to Mansion House tonight [Thursday, July 13].
Ellie Allerton-Brown is a first year student studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol and is shortlisted for the Science and Engineering Award
She said: “I want to be an engineer. Being from a council estate up north, I don't know anybody that has pursued this path - or even gone to university for that matter.
“If I won the award, it would feel like a celebratory slap on the back for being resilient, and pushing through up until that moment.”
Filipe Figueiredo is a final year student studying for a Politics BA at the University of Bristol and is shortlisted for both the Academic Success Award and the Professional Services and Consulting Award.
He said: “I am a first-generation university student, from a single mother household in a low-progression to higher education area.
“Winning would be fantastic! It would show how your background shouldn’t hold you back from wanting to achieve great things. Additionally, it would be an example to everyone that you should continue to strive for excellence and achieve your goals, in spite of the circumstances and setbacks faced.”
The University’s Bristol Mentors programme, run by Robbie Fox, is up for the University Progression Initiative of the Year award. Bristol Mentors links students up with alumni mentors who can help them with careers ideas, advice – and sometimes a foot in the door.
Robbie said: “Bristol Mentors has been such a rich and rewarding programme to be a part of. Being nominated for this award is a lovely acknowledgement of the effort we've made to get more students and more mentors involved over recent years.
“Thank you so much to our Bristol alumni mentors who have committed so much time and enthusiasm.”
Laura Frude, the University’s Futures Scholarship Coordinator, is up for the Champion of Social Mobility award. The Futures Scholarship helps prospective students from lower income backgrounds with funding for tuition and employability opportunities, such as internships.
Laura said: "To be nominated for my work on the Futures Scholarship programme is a real privilege and I am grateful to all the students and staff who have supported me."
Both Robbie and Laura work for the University’s Careers Service.