A 17-year-old girl from Redditch is in with a chance of securing a ‘fully-paid-for degree’ at Birmingham City University (BCU).
Laura Jane Avis, aged 17, is one of five West Midlands-based students shortlisted for the ‘Millennium Point Trust Scholarship Programme’.
“I’m amazed I’ve got this far,” said the second-year Bourneville College student, “And for us to be chosen out of a 100 applicants is incredible.
“Winning would mean I come out of university debt free, but for me, the recognition of my work means a lot more.”
Laura found out about the scholarship through UCAS, following her application to do the Film Production Technology course at BCU.
She was required to answer three questions – why do you want the scholarship? What would it mean to you if you were chosen? Do you plan on staying in the West Midlands?
“Now that I’ve been shortlisted, I need to concentrate on the final,” she said.
Laura will present a topic of her choice in front of a panel of top industry judges, and a captive audience during a live event at Millennium Point on March 27.
She said: “I’m not sure what I’m going to do it on yet but I know it has to be something based on the course.
“I’m nervous because we have to present in front of a lot of people.
“Luckily my family will all be there.”
The scholarship programme, now in its fifth year, is the flagship scheme from the Millennium Point Charitable Trust.
It is fully funded by the charity, which in 2018 invested more than £4.8m in STEM-related organisations, projects and initiatives, based in the West Midlands.
Rebecca Delmore, commercial director of Millennium Point added: “We are really excited to hear their presentations and would like to wish our five finalists the very best of luck.”
