Celebrating 20 years of the New Futures Fund
Every year over the past two decades, the generosity of our alumni, friends and partners has enabled a new cohort of New Futures Fund scholars to join the School. These scholarships support undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds from the start of their LSE journey, and are renewable for three years of full-time study.
Since the foundation of the scholarship in October 2002, donations of all sizes have collectively provided life-changing financial aid to a total of 227 students. We hear from some of them, as they explain the transformative impact that receiving a scholarship had on their student experience and their lives.
Growing up in a less privileged community offered many academic and financial challenges, but also helped me realise the value of a university education. I relied on financial aid and student loans to help fund my education, and receiving this scholarship helped reduce my financial burdens as a student. LSE donors’ generosity truly makes a difference; it is thanks to them that students like me are given an opportunity to take that extra leap in our path to success.
Receiving the scholarship gave me a sense of security, and fuelled my determination to do well in exams and obtain a degree. This unexpected recognition of my effort has really given me a sense of security, and confidence in what I can achieve in the future.
I was beginning to think that I would have to turn down the offer to study at LSE when I was informed that I had been awarded a New Futures Fund Scholarship. Because of this scholarship, I was able to study at one of the best universities in the world. And I could do so without having to worry about putting too much financial pressure on my family back home or on my future-self.
The New Futures Fund Scholarship was a constant reminder that I belonged at LSE, especially when I felt I was not smart enough. It encouraged and reassured me that I was where I was destined to be.
As a student without financial support from either of my parents, I had to sacrifice time for my studies in order to work and support myself. The scholarship meant that the financial stress I faced as a student was significantly eased, so I could commit myself fully to pursuing my passion for the study of International Relations. The generosity and kindness of donors has encouraged me to ensure my future career is one that gives back to society.
I am forever grateful to LSE’s donors for investing in my future and those of many other scholars, and for believing in people like me, who are capable, determined and ambitious but lack the financial means to access university education. Their generosity has inspired me to think about how I can help others, how to give back to our community when I eventually become a lawyer, and to never forget where I come from.
