Laurita Kunickaite, a second-year student on the Data Science and Analytics BSc Honours course, is the second recipient of the Whiteley Community Foundation Scholarship.
The Whiteley is the redevelopment of London’s first department store in Bayswater, Whiteleys, into a residential, retail, dining and hotel complex. The scholarship is awarded by the Whiteley Community Foundation in cooperation with the University of Westminster.
One Westminster scholar, who is either from a low-income household or originally from an area within a 0.5-mile radius around Bayswater, is chosen each year. Business Management (Marketing) BA Honours student Walaa Kalam was the inaugural recipient for the 2022-23 academic year.
Laurita said: “As a first-generation university student, who grew up in a small Lithuanian town, I carry the hopes and dreams of my entire family. This scholarship will significantly alleviate my financial burdens and allow me to invest more time in my studies and extracurricular pursuits. My career aspirations lie in becoming a data scientist, utilizing statistical and machine learning techniques to extract insights from data, tackle complex problems, and contribute to innovation.
“I am also deeply committed to encouraging more women, regardless of their age, to pursue and succeed in technology careers, aiming to inspire others as I progress in this field. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity this scholarship represents. Whitely’s support will not only propel my academic journey but also strengthen my confidence and determination. Thank you for recognizing my potential and investing in my future.”
The Whiteley Community Foundation said: “The Whiteley Community Foundation set itself the ambition to make a difference in the local community in which it operates. We believed a lasting legacy would be to create The Whiteley Scholarship in association with the University of Westminster.
“We are proud to have this opportunity to make a positive impact in a young person’s life, and we look forward to seeing Walaa and Laurita progress throughout their studies and into their chosen careers. The scholarship will also seek to support students after they have graduated by assisting them with employment opportunities.”
Westminster Head of Development Jordan Scammell said: “I am delighted that The Whiteley Community Foundation have now agreed to a rolling scholarship programme, supporting two students each year. This commitment is testament to their support of the local community in which they operate, something our University also prides itself on. I’m so pleased to read the impact it is making to our scholars, and look forward to following their progress.”
Learn more about and make a donation to Inclusive Scholarships at the University of Westminster.
