First-generation students celebrated in campaign

Staffordshire and Coventry students have been chosen for a national campaign celebrating people from the first generation in their families to go to university.

A police constable, a motorsports entrepreneur, and a trainee midwife are among 100 students and graduates from across the UK showcased in the campaign.

"The difference it has made to my life is invaluable," Ellie Bowers, a Staffordshire University graduate who is now a police constable, said of her degree.

The 100 Faces campaign also features England footballer Beth Mead, actor Amit Shah, and Nobel Prize winning economist Sir Chris Pissarides.

"Being the first person in my family to go to university was scary as I didn’t know what to expect," said Ms Bowers, 22, who graduated last summer with a degree in Professional Policing.

"But my family, partner and friends are all so proud of me."

Mr Shah also studied at Staffordshire University more than 20 years ago and has since acted in television shows such as Doctor Who and Mr Bates vs the Post Office. In 2023, he received an extra honorary degree from the university.

The 100 Faces campaign, led by Universities UK, aims to attract new students from diverse backgrounds.

The campaign is also calling for the government to reinstate maintenance grants for students, which were scrapped in the 2015 budget.

“Anyone thinking about going to university, especially if you're first-generation, should believe in yourself," said James Dornor, who studied automotive engineering at Coventry University, before going on to work for Formula One teams such as Mercedes and McLaren.

Michelle Poole, who is studying to be a midwife at Coventry University, is another Midlands student featured in the campaign.

“I knew that this was where I needed to be for my future,” said Ms Poole, a mature student who started her course at the age of 34.

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