Student Power Fund – together we can support RTU students in need!

The path to higher education is not always easy – some students must face serious illnesses, family crises, or unforeseen circumstances that threaten to put their dreams of education on hold.


To ensure that students are not left alone in such moments, we can assist by donating to the Student Power Fund at ziedo.rtu.lv. This scholarship provides students with financial support during their studies and, at the same time, encourages them to continue their education, believe in their abilities, and not give up even in the most challenging moments. 

 Last year, Nils Niklāvs Plūmiņš, a student at the Faculty of Computer Science, Information Technology and Energy (DITEF) at Riga Technical University (RTU), and his family faced one of the most significant challenges of their lives. At the age of 20, Nils was diagnosed with blood cancer, and his treatment cost €235,000 – an amount that seemed unattainable for his family. Thanks to the support of his fellow human beings, Nils has overcome the disease and is now continuing his studies and work at the RTU Science and Innovation Centre (ZIC). Thanks to the Student Power Fund, Nils received a €300 scholarship for six months, which helped cover his daily expenses and provided practical support for continuing his studies. 

"During my illness, my doctor and I agreed that I would not be able to continue my full-time studies. The treatment was long – four courses of chemotherapy, followed by another month in the hospital. But I really wanted to get back to life, to be needed. As far as possible, I continued to work remotely at the RTU ZIC theLAB workshop, sometimes even in person – it made me feel like I was still part of university life," says Nils. 

 The idea for the Student Power Fund came from Elīna Miķelsone, head of the RTU Design Factory, who was the first to notice Nils's needs and approached the RTU Development Fund. Soon after, Nils received his first scholarship. "Nils stood out in the LAB environment with his perseverance, enthusiasm, and selfless contribution, supporting other students and promoting the development of innovative projects, which is why other interns noticed him and suggested that he needed support in the form of a scholarship. His story of courage and desire to continue his journey in IT and cybersecurity, despite his difficult battle with cancer, became a source of inspiration for all of us. We are proud of Nils' strength and the quick response of the RTU Development Fund. I really appreciate that the interns themselves are not afraid to communicate and look for opportunities to strengthen others. This example clearly shows how much can be achieved when we listen to each other and act for the common good," emphasises E. Miķelsone. 

The Student Power Fund not only provides practical assistance to students but also motivates them and reassures them that they are not alone in their difficulties. Nils admits that receiving the scholarship was very important to him. "This support made me realise that the university cares about its students. In practical terms, it helped my family get through a difficult period – it was financial support to cover everyday expenses. But even more than that, the scholarship gave me the feeling that the people around me believed in me, that the RTU community had noticed me and supported me." 

 Today, Nils continues his studies and is actively involved in the RTU Science and Innovation Center. From an intern at theLAB workshop, he has become a full-fledged RTU employee and will continue to lead MidLAB, a 3D scanning and modelling laboratory. Alongside his studies and work, Nils is also developing personal projects, such as an electric quad bike prototype. "The scholarship helped me not only to continue my studies, but also to do more – to develop my ideas and be creative. This is very important when you have gone through a difficult time – to regain the joy of creation and confidence in your own abilities," admits Nils. 

 The RTU Development Fund invites everyone to join this initiative, as each donation strengthens the Student Power Fund and makes it possible to help those who find themselves in the most challenging situations. Thanks to the funds raised, the RTU Development Fund has already provided support to another RTU student who has faced serious life challenges. 

Every euro donated is an investment in the power of students and their future. You can donate to the Student Power Fund scholarships here: ziedo.rtu.lv.