Two Helena Kennedy Foundation bursary winners are among the shortlisted nominees for this year’s Festival of Learning Awards.

Kirsty Young, a HKF Award winner in 2011, and Rosie Wainwright, a winner in 2013, have made the shortlist.

Both Kirsty and Rosie are enjoying successful careers after progressing through university with the help of their bursaries. Not only that, but they both work in roles that enable them to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, ensuring that others do not have to experience the same struggles that they did.

Kirsty works as a Learning Support Advisor at East Riding College, while Rosie is a Regional Manager for Career Ready, a charity that contributes to social mobility by providing careers advice and support to young people.

The Festival of Learning is the biggest celebration of lifelong learning in England. The campaign, led by the Learning and Work Institute, has been running since 1992 and showcases the inspiring achievements of adults who have transformed their lives through learning.

The awards recognise individual learners, outstanding tutors, innovative provision, and leading employers.

Shahida Aslam, Director of Operations at the HKF, congratulated Kirsty and Rosie for making the shortlist: “I am delighted that Rosie and Kirsty have both been shortlisted for the Festival of Learning Awards. They have both shown great determination throughout their personal learning journey and demonstrated their passion to continually develop themselves and others.”

You can view the full shortlist here. The winners will be revealed at an online awards ceremony on 6 July.

You can find out more about Kirsty’s journey here and Rosie’s journey here. Rosie also took part in our first HKF fireside chat recently – you can watch this here.

Kirsty is currently raising money to go towards a HKF bursary for a student by walking for two hours for 50 evenings in a row. Find out more about her fundraiser and how to support her here.