A former Archbishop Blanch student, Jessica Jones, is one of five women to be awarded the University of Warwick’s Women in Engineering Scholarship.
Engineering student Jessica was chosen to receive the prestigious award out of entries from across the university.
The Women in Engineering Scholars Programme is awarded by the University of Warwick to encourage gender diversity. Funded by two charitable donors, the scholarship aims to address the shortage in female role models in the industry by supporting the most talented engineering students and helping to develop their careers.
This comes as recent studies show that the proportion of female engineering professionals in the UK is amongst the lowest in Europe. Studies by EDF Energy found that fewer than 30% of girls aged 11-16 are aware of a female in their network in a STEM-related role.
As well as financial assistance of £2000 a year, Jessica will also receive extra support and advice from dedicated tutors, careers advisors and mentoring from Warwick graduates.
Jessica’s commitment to her field and academic success at A-level contributed to her selection as one of five scholarship recipients.
Archbishop Blanch School are delighted to hear about the success of their former pupil.
Headteacher Heather Duggan says: ‘We’re so pleased to see our former pupils excel at university and Jessica has made us all so proud!
“At Archbishop Blanch we are dedicated to opening up all opportunities to pupils and our science teachers are excellent female role models in STEM.”
Jessica says: “I am delighted to have been chosen for a Women in Engineering Scholarship. It has given me a boost of confidence in my ability to succeed in a male dominated industry.
“The main criteria for achieving this scholarship was A level results, and so I have to thank Archbishop Blanch School for helping me to get such great results.
“I hope my success can inspire and encourage other women, especially those interested in taking up a career in engineering.