Scholarships that change lives and shape futures
Over time, the greatest impact we have as an institution comes from the students we educate, many of whom go on to become leaders in government, business and society.
However all too often economic uncertainty can put an LSE education out of reach, just when diverse perspectives are most needed in the world today.
LSE scholarships: celebrating donors and scholars
We are very fortunate at LSE that our community of alumni, friends and partners recognise that, and thanks to their generosity this year we have been able to support over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate students with scholarships.
Every year we are delighted to host a special evening where we can to connect those donors with their scholars and celebrate their stories of success. This year our donors heard from a panel of three undergraduate students who provided a powerful reminder that scholarships do far more than cover costs. They create confidence, open doors and enable students to imagine futures that once felt out of reach.
Student panel on the impact of LSE scholarships
Jenn Zeng, a third-year BSc in Psychological and Behavioural Science and Francesca Swirski Undergraduate Scholar, chaired the discussion. As the first woman president of LSE’s student entrepreneurship society, she spoke about scholarships as an act of belief.
Scholarships at LSE are not simply just financial support. They are beliefs in people, they are investments in people and ideas and in futures; and they create opportunities, unlock potential and ultimately help scholars go on to contribute to a better world.
For Mahira Haque, a third-year BSc in International Relations student and Marathon Scholar, that belief has been transformative. Growing up in a Bangladeshi immigrant family in South London, she spoke movingly about how education was something previous generations in her family had not been able to access. Her motivation to study international relations came from a desire to turn academic learning into real policy impact, particularly for marginalised communities and young women.
If I didn’t have the financial support I have now, I wouldn’t have even dreamed of walking into the rooms I did that summer.
Murray Horton, a third-year BSc Mathematics and Economics student and fellow Marathon Scholar, shared a different but equally compelling story. He grew up in a small village near Oxford and described how school for him was a constant, and a source of joy. LSE had long been his ambition, but studying in London felt financially impossible.
Receiving a scholarship changed everything. It also connected him with his donor, who offered advice, mentorship and access to professional opportunities.
The scholarship gave me confidence before I had it myself.... Someone saw my story and validated it.
Throughout the discussion, both scholars returned to the idea that scholarships break down invisible barriers as much as financial ones.
The ripple effect of giving: scholars paying it forward
Looking ahead, the students spoke about the ripple effect donors make possible. Mahira hopes to work in education and support other young women from similar backgrounds. Murray spoke of mentoring future scholars and, one day, funding a scholarship of his own. For both, giving back is a natural extension of the opportunity they have received and speaks to the power of an LSE scholarship.
Thank you for your investment in scholarships at LSE which empower the next generation to Shape the World we all need.
Photo gallery: donors, scholars and scholarship stories
LSE alumnus Duncan Clark (BSc Economic History 1990) pictured second from left with David and Duncan Clark Scholars Shweta Thakare (L), Abhishek Sudke (second from right) and Muhammad Saad Siddique (R). All three are studying for their master’s in the School of Public Policy.
For over 20 years alumni Jeffrey Golden (General Course 1971, PhD International Relations 1972-75) and Rita Golden (BSc Sociology 1971) have funded the Golden Scholarship for female UK undergraduate students. Here they are pictured standing on either side of current Golden Scholars Merveille and Claudia who are studying Law, and Philosophy and Economics respectively.
Zoey England (L) is a recipient of the Michael and Mary Ann Miner Scholarship and is currently studying for an MSc in Social Research Methods. She caught up with donor Michael Miner during the event.
LSE alumna Susan Howes (BA Sociology 1972) established the Alf Waddington Scholarship so students from disadvantaged backgrounds can benefit from an LSE education. Melinda Yaman, the current scholar, is studying for an MSc in Human Rights and is had the opportunity to catch up with Susan and her husband Greg Dyke during the evening.