We’re funding Women in Tech scholarships at Durham University

Here at Atom, we’re changing banking for good, and we simply cannot do that without hiring amazing people from all walks of life. That’s why we’re taking diversity and inclusivity seriously as we look to hire the leaders of the future. We know that having a balanced and diverse team of people from different backgrounds is incredibly important for success.

One of the key areas we need to address is the number of women working in the tech sector, where they make up just 26% of the workforce (WiT). That’s why we’ve supported previous projects like the Stemettes coding hackathon and signed the Tech Talent Charter and Women in Finance Charter.

To further this goal, we’re building on our partnership with Durham University by funding two new scholarships on their Women in Technology programme, which is aimed at prospective female students from low-income backgrounds.

What is the Women in Technology programme?

Durham University launched its programme in partnership with global tech leaders to confront the issue of stagnating numbers of women working in the tech sector. The scheme is designed to work in conjunction with industry leaders to improve diversity of graduates studying the technology field.

The Women in Technology programme was inspired by tech leader Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE and was founded by engineer and Durham alumnus Ian Ellison-Taylor. The programme is also supported by many Durham Computer Science alumni.

What will the Atom-funded scholarships offer?

Our scholarships will provide the two successful applicants with £4,000 in funding each academic year across their three-year degree. The ultimate goal of these scholarships is to inspire the next generation of female tech leaders to pursue studies.

As part of the programme, we’ll provide those involved with mentoring, internship, placement and leadership opportunities. We’re keen for the participating students to help Atom and Durham University to promote a career in tech to the next generation across schools and colleges in the North East.

Let’s hear from the key people involved

Edward Twiddy, Director of ESG at Atom

We are delighted to be supporting two new scholars to join the excellent AMI Women in Technology programme every year from 2024.

Through this funding we are unashamedly targeting the next generation of leaders for Atom and for the technology businesses of the future.

Applications for the scholarships are now open, and we are really excited at the prospect of meeting the people who we hope will lead Atom in the future through their engagement in this programme.

Professor Matthew Johnson, Head of the Department of Computer Science at Durham University

We are grateful to Atom bank for their generous support as we strive to increase the reach of the highly successful AMI scholarship programme. Their contribution will help us to foster greater participation of talented women in our undergraduate degree programmes. The underrepresentation of women in the field poses a significant barrier to innovation.

Our department is committed to not only creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, but also one that is vibrant, diverse, and thriving. The scholars participating in this program are called upon to serve as ambassadors for the department. Consequently, the impact of these scholarships extends beyond their recipients, influencing and inspiring a broader spectrum of students.

Tara Kaul, current AMI scholar and third year undergraduate student

My time at Durham University so far has been nothing short of amazing, and it would not have been possible without the invaluable financial support the AMI scholarship has given me and others. The commitment to investing in our education has not only lifted the weight of financial constraints but has pushed us closer to our educational goals.

Thinking of applying?

If you’re interested in the scholarship at Durham University, its Women in Technology programme is currently accepting applications for its 2024 intake.

You can find all the details, eligibility criteria and application information here.