Ten Fife College students have been given a timely boost after receiving a Foundation Scholarship from the College’s Adam Smith Foundation.

The students, from seven academic areas across the College, have each been awarded scholarships up to the value of £1,000 to support the next steps in their education journey.

Nominated by their own lecturers, the awards recognise the students’ hard work and commitment to their studies during their time at college.

One of the ten recipients, Stephen Watson from Inverkeithing, was delighted to hear he was a Foundation Scholarship award winner. Stephen said: "I was in shock receiving the email telling me I'd been nominated – I was totally not expecting it."

Stephen, who is studying an HND Fashion Design and Production with Retail course, plans to go into the second year of university after completing his studies at Fife College. He added:

"It really makes me feel good about the work that I am completing and has given me a massive drive to continue. This award will really help me to extend my learning out with college, I plan to use it on short courses to gain more skills to ready myself for university."

Another recipient was HND Applied Biological Sciences student Carrie Gibson from Ballingry. Carrie, who is preparing to study Forensic Science at Abertay University in Dundee, said:

"It was totally unexpected – I was so overwhelmed and grateful to win this award. I would like to thank my lecturers and peers for all the support during my studying.

"This has been an amazing way to finish off my time at Fife College, the money will be split with half put into a savings fund for my son and the other half be used for university expenses."

Lyn Gold, Adam Smith Foundation Scholarship Co-ordinator, said: "Congratulations to this year’s Fife College Foundation Scholarship award winners."

"It was clear from the nominations submitted by their lecturers that each student had not only excelled in their own studies, but they had also had a really positive influence on their classes and the College more widely."

"They are thoroughly deserving of their scholarship awards and should be very proud of their achievements. We hope the awards will provide some support as they look to secure their next steps."

Through partnership with businesses, charitable trusts and individual donors, the Adam Smith Foundation has developed a Scholarship Programme which provides recognition, a financial award, and in some cases, work experience, internships and trips abroad to support and encourage students to achieve their full potential.

For further details about scholarships at Fife College visit the Adam Smith Foundation page or email scholarships@fife.ac.uk.

Full list of Fife College Foundation Scholarship recipients:

  • Aaron Angeloni, from Dunfermline (Performing Arts)
  • Carrie Gibson, from Ballingry (STEM)
  • Isla Brown, from Auchtermuchty (Sport and Fitness)
  • Lewis Mackie, from Glenrothes (Sport and Fitness)
  • Bayan Batal, from Leven (ESOL)
  • Rosie Fong, from Kirkcaldy (ESOL)
  • Stephen Watson, from Inverkeithing (Fashion)
  • Rebecca Jamieson, from Kirkcaldy (Fashion)
  • Lee Simpson, from Glenrothes (Supported Learning)
  • Joanna Ross, from Dunfermline (Accountancy)

Photograph: (Left to right, top) Fife College students Carrie Gibson, Isla Brown, Lee Simpson, (left to right, bottom) Rebecca Jamieson and Stephen Watson are pictured with their Fife College Foundation Scholarship awards.