Three school pupils have been selected for sponsorship by the Rochester Bridge Trust.
Selected through the Arkwright scheme, teenagers Silke Heyse, Theodore Macklin and Brecon Hoadley will benefit from mentoring and financial support from the Rochester Bridge Trust while studying for their A-levels.
Known as Bridge Wardens’ Scholars, the trio were welcomed by the Trust during a presentation ceremony in London.
Brecon is from Betsham, near Southfleet, and studies at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys in Dartford; Maidstone’s Silke, is a pupil at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, which was founded by the Rochester Bridge Trust; and Theodore lives in Bromley while studying at Dulwich College. All three hope to become civil engineers.
Junior Warden Russell Cooper, who attended the scholarship presentation ceremony on behalf of the Trust, commented: “We are committed to supporting engineering education to ensure the necessary skills to build and maintain bridges are passed on to future generations. It was a pleasure to meet these three young people and see how dedicated they are to civil engineering.”
The scholars are selected for their potential as future engineering leaders by assessing their academic, practical and leadership skills in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). These are gauged through a rigorous selection process including an assessed application, aptitude exam and university-based interview.
Dr Martin Thomas, Chief Executive of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, said: “I have been hugely impressed by the creativity, technical skills and leadership prowess of the young men and women receiving their scholarships this year.”
As a Bridge Wardens’ Scholar, each pupil and their school is presented with a financial award, as well as benefiting from a range of enrichment activities including mentoring and industry visits.
See www.arkwright.org.uk/scholars to find out more about becoming an Arkwright Scholar.