A student who has overcome adversity to thrive at the University of Staffordshire has been shortlisted at the 2026 Student Social Mobility Awards
Many young people rule themselves out of opportunities simply because they have never been shown what is possible...if even one young person sees [my nomination] and feels more confident pursuing their own goals, then that visibility has real impact.
On 8 July 2026, BSc (Hons) Computer Science student Aurelia Brzezowska will be recognised at the eighth annual Student Social Mobility Awards, held at Drapers' Hall in London.
She has been shortlisted for the Improving Social Mobility Award in recognition of her resilience, determination, and achievement as a student from a lower socio-economic background.
Aurelia’s journey to university was far from straightforward. Growing up in a single-parent, immigrant household, she felt like university was something for other people, not for her.
As a teenager, Aurelia was interested in computer science, but faced challenges with accessing technology: “I was the only girl studying Computer Science at A-Level, which made the subject feel even more unfamiliar and sometimes isolating. I did not own a computer until I started university, so pursuing a degree in Computer Science often felt like I was starting several steps behind others.”
Determined to make things better for other girls interested in STEM, Aurelia founded Byte Queens, a network that empowers and connects women across the UK to become the next generation of leaders in computing. She also previously led University of Staffordshire's Computing Society and co-founded the Women in STEM Society with Jemima Orakwue, who managed the society.
Undergraduate nominees from working class backgrounds will be recognised at this year’s Student Social Mobility Awards for their grit and determination to thrive at university.
Many students from lower socio-economic backgrounds question whether university is still "worth it" but stories like Aurelia's are a powerful reminder that, for many, it has the power to transform lives.
The awards are organised by social mobility charity upReach, which currently provides personalised 1-to-1 career support to 3,200 students – including over 360 from the West Midlands.
upReach CEO, Nick Bent, commented: “Talent is everywhere, but young people are often held back by things outside of their control. Now more than ever, it is imperative to uplift those who have worked tirelessly to succeed, and who are bringing new life to social mobility in the UK.”
Having overcome significant class barriers and mitigating circumstances, Aurelia and other nominees are inspiring role models for those from similar backgrounds, encouraging them to set their ambitions high.
Offering advice for other young people coming from lower socio-economic backgrounds, Aurelia said: “Find the people who uplift you, who shout your name and give you credit, who want to continue on the journey of self-improvement and ambition. Find the community that you deserve and reach for the stars.”
Looking to the future of social mobility in the UK, she added: “Many young people rule themselves out of opportunities simply because they have never been shown what is possible.
“Representation and outreach matter just as much as funding … If even one young person sees [my nomination] and feels more confident pursuing their own goals, then that visibility has real impact. I am just one piece in a big puzzle, everyone has their part to play.”