Fundraising news

Chloe Redman

One of the things that makes Sussex special is its commitment to supporting opportunity. Students not only acquire academic knowledge, they are empowered to make the most of their time at university, to develop essential life skills and to make connections that help shape successful futures.

The Sussex Fund plays a crucial role in supporting this commitment. Through generous donations, the Fund provides hardship bursaries, mental health support and scholarships, as well as underpinning initiatives that enhance the student experience. Every contribution directly impacts our students, helping them stay at university and ultimately succeed in their studies.

The transformative effect of Sussex Fund support is perhaps best demonstrated through the stories of those who have benefited from it. Chloe Redman is one such beneficiary. She is about to graduate with a Liberal Arts BA. This is her story.

“I didn’t go to secondary school. I had mental health issues as well as neurodivergence and there wasn’t anywhere suitable for my complex needs. Because of this I was homeschooled until I went to college to study Hair and Media Make-up. It was during my final year that I fell out of love with my course and the prospect of a career in that realm. This coincided with me moving out of my family home, so it was a challenging time.

“I really wanted to go on to Higher Education, but I didn’t think I’d ever be able to because I had no formal qualifications. That’s when my teacher told me about the Access to Higher Education course, which would qualify me to study at university. I went to Macclesfield College to do my Access course, then enrolled at Sussex to study for a Liberal Arts degree at the age of 20.”

From the very beginning, Chloe has truly made the best of her time at Sussex, embracing every opportunity to enhance her university experience as well as her CV. She says:

“I was lucky enough to attend a six-week summer school at Korea University in Seoul. Sussex paid for my travel, accommodation, and tuition fees, without which I would never have been able to afford to go. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Whilst living in Seoul, I studied ‘Popular Culture and Media in Korea’ and learned a lot about the local people. I also learned a lot about myself as it was a big trip to do solo. I’ve always been fascinated by South Korea and it was my dream to visit one day. I'm so thankful that Sussex helped me to achieve it.”

During her final year, Chloe enrolled on the Student Consultancy programme, which provides an exciting opportunity for students to gain real-world experience by working on live projects set by external organisations. Participants receive a bursary equivalent to the UK real Living Wage. It is just one of a number of opportunities offered by Sussex’s Career Lab, and is designed to develop students’ skills, confidence, and professional connections.

Chloe says:

“I applied to the programme because I thought it was a great opportunity to gain work experience in a professional environment, something I was concerned that I didn't have enough of to get a good job after graduating. I also really needed the money and saw it as a great way to earn some extra cash. As a low-income student, I try and take any paid opportunity I can get to support myself.”

Chloe’s placement was with Sussex Bay, an initiative that focuses on restoring and preserving the Sussex coastline. She says it provided her with really valuable experience:

“It involved a lot of collaboration and teamwork, and I also learned about council policy surrounding environmental issues, something which was completely new to me. My placement definitely enhanced my time at Sussex. Through it I met new people and made connections, whilst also gaining valuable knowledge and work experience.

“The Student Consultancy programme gives students like me, who come from low-income backgrounds and are therefore less likely to have access to certain companies or careers, a golden opportunity that might otherwise be out of reach.”

Chloe has now completed her degree, securing an impressive First for her dissertation and an overall grade of 2:1. So what’s next? She explains:

“I’m currently enrolled on a Sussex Career Lab summer internship, which ends in July. Then I will be graduating at the Brighton Centre. After that, I’ve managed to secure a prestigious three-month placement as an Access Support & Children and Young People intern with the Arts Council, based in their Manchester offices.

“I’ve never had many life goals but one that I did have was to go to university, so I’m thrilled to have achieved that. I am really grateful for all of the incredible opportunities that were made available to me whilst I was at Sussex. Thanks to them, I now have a better chance of enjoying a happy life and having a successful career, of actually succeeding not just surviving.”

If you would like to help talented students like Chloe to thrive during their time at Sussex, please make a gift here.

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