**University of Liverpool Student to be Honored at Prestigious Awards Ceremony**
On July 18, 2024, Kiera McDonald, an undergraduate at the University of Liverpool, will be celebrated at the sixth annual Student Social Mobility Awards, held at London’s esteemed Mansion House. McDonald is being recognized for her exceptional academic achievements and resilience in overcoming adversity.
The issue of social mobility remains a significant challenge in the UK. Recent data from the Social Mobility Commission reveals that individuals from professional backgrounds are six times more likely to secure professional jobs than those from working-class backgrounds. Amid economic hardships, the Cost of Living Crisis, and an impending general election, there is growing concern about the enduring effects of socio-economic inequalities on future generations.
The Student Social Mobility Awards highlight the remarkable efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing social mobility across the UK. These awards honor Sixth Form students and undergraduates who have triumphed over substantial barriers to achieve career success. They also commend schools, teachers, mentors, employers, and universities for their initiatives and commitment to promoting social mobility and inspiring others.
Kiera McDonald has been shortlisted for the Creative Sector Award, which recognizes extraordinary accomplishments in the arts while at university.
Kiera said: “To win at the 2024 Student Social Mobility Awards would be an incredible achievement. I would be lying if I said that my career journey so far hadn’t been wracked with doubt and imposter syndrome and, to win an award would confirm that all of my hard work has been worth it.”
Kiera McDonald, currently pursuing a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the University of Liverpool, has long harbored a passion for creativity. During her time in sixth form, McDonald launched her own freelance graphic design business, through which she designed menus and signage for the Birmingham BBC Good Food Show and created flyers for events with over 400 attendees. These endeavors paved the way for her to secure a one-year Creative Operations Graduate Internship at NVIDIA.
The students nominated for the Student Social Mobility Awards have achieved remarkable success despite socio-economic challenges such as balancing multiple responsibilities, limited professional networks, and residing in areas with low job prospects. Notably, 68% of nominees are the first in their families to pursue higher education, 61% qualified for free school meals, and 15% have caregiving responsibilities or were previously in care. This year, the awards received a record 349 nominations from students representing 41 universities.
upReach, the charity behind the Student Social Mobility Awards, supports undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds in accessing and sustaining top graduate jobs. Providing personalized one-to-one support to 3,000 students across the UK, upReach created these awards to honor the outstanding achievements of undergraduates and to recognize the significant efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing social mobility in the UK.
