Ambitious Teesside University students welcome positive impact of scholarships

The first recipients of a unique scholarship from an acclaimed filmmaker have spoken about the positive impact it has had on their studies and the extra motivation it has given them to succeed.

The first recipients of a unique scholarship from an acclaimed filmmaker have spoken about the positive impact it has had on their studies and the extra motivation it has given them to succeed.

Teesside University students Jack Simmons and Louise Strike are both in the first year of their BA (Hons) Film and Television Production and are among the first recipients of the Franc Roddam Scholarship.

Franc Roddam is a film director, writer and producer, best known for iconic film Quadrophenia and hugely successful television series Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. He has partnered with Teesside University to provide a scholarship to support students aiming to study film and television production.

A Scholarship Celebration Event was recently held on campus where Franc and a whole host of scholarship donors were able to meet with students and hear first hand about the positive impact their scholarships have had.

Jack, 18, who has ambitions to be a filmmaker himself, said: “This scholarship gave me a sense of accomplishment and motivated me to thrive and become more professional.

“It feels surreal that a famous film director like Franc Roddam has chosen to support me – it really means a lot.”

Louise, 18, added: “The scholarship has had a great impact and provided the reassurance to enable me to focus more on my course and developing my skills.

“The support is amazing and will help in many ways – from applying for jobs to helping with interviews and providing additional experience and opportunities. I would definitely recommend applying for scholarships such as this and seeking out the additional support that is available.”

Franc Roddam was one of the donors to attend the Scholarship Celebration Event, alongside representatives from companies including Kellas Midstream, Fuji Film and The Teesside Charity, who have also provided scholarships for Teesside University students.

Reflecting on the event, Franc said: “I am passionate about supporting people to succeed in the creative industries and it was fantastic to visit Teesside University once again and to see first-hand some of the inspirational work taking place.

“Scholarships can have a transformational effect on people’s lives and development, and I am proud to be able to support creative students who are looking to make their mark in the industry.

“The support you receive as you are starting out in your career is hugely important. It was a pleasure to meet the first recipients of the scholarship and to hear how the scholarship has given them a boost in terms of their ambitions and aspiration.

“I am looking forward to more events such as this and seeing all the great things that these talented students go on to achieve.”

The Franc Roddam Scholarships are among a number of new scholarships being offered through Teesside University’s Teesside Transformation Fund, which aims to break down barriers and empower more individuals to access education, seize opportunities and to reach their full potential.

With an existing investment of £2million per year in scholarship support from the University itself, the ambition is to grow the fund with further support from alumni, foundations and corporate partners.

Lauren Bradshaw, Deputy Director of Communications and Development at Teesside University said: “We are extremely grateful to all our donors, and it was fantastic to bring many of them together to meet their scholars and hear about the positive impact the scholarships are having on both their lives and their studies.

“Teesside University is committed to providing opportunities to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and empowering everybody with the chance to achieve their ambitions. Scholarships can play a vital role in that mission and provide the extra support and motivation for our students to succeed.”

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