Yueh-Chia receives her award

Arkwright scholarship for Nottingham pupil

Second Nottingham Girls' High School student wins national engineering scholarship

Posted by Stephanie Broad | February 20, 2016 | People, policy, politics

• #nottingham-girls-high-school
• #scholarship
• #engineering
• #arkwright-scholarship
• #independent-schools
• #careers

A year 12 student, who outshone over 1,500 other candidates to win a highly prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship – the second such scholarship for the school in two years.

The renowned Arkwright Engineering Scholarship identifies and supports young people across the UK who demonstrate the potential to be future leaders in the engineering industry. Although 75% of the scholars are typically boys, Yueh-Chia Lo has shown that girls can also excel in engineering for the second time in as many years. Year 13 student Olivia Dadge was awarded the same coveted scholarship last year.

The Arkwright Scholarships provide students with a £600 financial award to enhance their A-level studies and orchestrate a range of opportunities to develop their learning, understanding and experience of engineering, including company visits and mentoring.

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. The country needs thousands of new engineers to take the economy and society forward. But some of these newly-trained people need to also act as outstanding beacons of leadership within industry and academia. The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships are the first step on that road to achieving such a vital position within the UK engineering profession. In particular we need more women in leadership roles within the engineering profession. Congratulations to Yueh-Chia on achieving this first step to the top!”

Yueh-Chia succeeded after completing a two-hour aptitude exam and an interview hosted at a top engineering university. Out of 30,000 eligible students across the UK, 1,559 applications were endorsed by teachers, with 397 students succeeding at the rigorous selection process to be awarded Arkwright Engineering Scholarships.

I feel like I’ve taken the first big step in my career

Sue Gorham, Head of Nottingham Girls’ High School, commented: “Just 8.2% of engineering professionals are women - a woeful statistic in this day and age. Yueh-Chia is a beacon for young female engineers and what they can achieve with drive, passion and talent. I'm excited to see Yueh-Chia go on to fulfil her massive potential - no doubt she will do great things - and at Nottingham Girls' High School we will continue to lend every support to the next generation of girls who want to pursue a career in fields of science, technology, engineering and maths."

Yueh-Chia was equally thrilled: “It's really rewarding to have won this scholarship - and all of the opportunities it brings with it. To know that there are experts in my chosen field who saw something in me that impressed them was a huge boost to my confidence. It was a tough application process but I'm glad I stuck with it. I feel like I’ve taken the first big step in my career and I’m excited for what's next.” 

www.nottinghamgirlshigh.gdst.net