Two former Ron Dearing UTC students have been awarded scholarships after being recognised for displaying huge academic and career potential while at school.
Aleksis Vanags and Cohen Morfitt, both 18, left Ron Dearing UTC in the summer after completing their A-levels and have moved on to study degrees at university.
Aleksis is studying Aerospace Engineering at Imperial College London and Cohen is completing a degree in Mathematics at Durham University, both part of the prestigious Rusell Group of elite higher education institutions.
During their time at Ron Dearing UTC they became members of Zero Gravity, an online platform aimed at supporting top students into the best universities through a mentoring approach, defining talent by potential rather than postcode.
It connects students with a one-to-one mentor, who is an undergraduate studying the same or a similar course at the same or similar university. Students also have access to live masterclasses, internships and content in an exclusive Zero Gravity community.
Once at university, students can apply for a scholarship from the Zero Gravity Fund.
Now, Aleksis and Cohen have each been awarded a £3,000 scholarship after showing incredible potential on their journey to university and embracing the Zero Gravity opportunities.
They are two of 175 students who were awarded the scholarships across the UK this year.
Aleksis said: “I’ve received so much support and encouragement since joining the Zero Gravity platform. I would highly recommend it because of the quality of the mentors, community spaces and masterclasses offered, no matter what course or university you are applying to.
“This is also paired with the chance of the Zero Gravity scholarship, which is £1,000 per year for three years and will massively help me throughout my studies.”
Cohen said: “It’s helpful to have someone who has been through the university application process as a mentor, as they can reassure you that you’re taking the correct steps.
“Additionally, some tutors will be able to recall their prior experience to help you revise or prepare for exams.”
Claire Fisher, Lead Practitioner at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “Both Aleksis and Cohen were supported through the challenging entrance process for the prestigious universities they now attend by the UCAS team at Ron Dearing, and we referred them to take part in the Zero Gravity programme.
“They were part of the first group of students to trial the programme and we’re looking forward to referring more students this year.
“We’re absolutely thrilled for Aleksis and Cohen. They are both such hardworking students and they had their hearts set on where they wanted to go from the beginning.
“They are excellent role models for other students and we wish them every success for the future.”