Kainos and BCU launch Digital Bursary Scheme
Kainos and Birmingham City University partner on Digital Bursary scheme for women in STEM
The Kainos Digital Bursary scheme has launched in partnership with Birmingham City University (BCU), set up with a donation of £10,000 in 2022. This bursary scheme was founded to support women, traditionally underrepresented in the industry, and their education in STEM.
The fund provides support for 13 undergraduate women from disadvantaged backgrounds, enrolled in the School of Computing and Digital Technology with bursaries ranging from £500- £1000 that can be used to purchase digital devices & data, books, and support living costs. These bursaries provide a valuable lifeline for those who may not have otherwise had an opportunity to get started in the industry.
Undergrads were invited to apply for the ‘Kainos Digital Bursary’ by submitting a short application to BCU, outlining their economic needs and any other reasons e.g. caring responsibilities, additional learning needs, how it will help their journey into a career in technology. BCU administered the process of applying for and receiving the bursary directly.
Danielle Keenan, CSR Manager at Kainos said-
“We want to widen the participation of women in the software sector. Bursary schemes like this enable us to support burgeoning talent at a grassroots level, as well as giving back to our communities.”
Speaking on the scheme, Associate Dean of Birmingham City University Simon Handley said-
“Kainos have provided a tremendous opportunity for our students. The bursary scheme is providing support for the diversification of the computing sector.
BCU students will be tomorrow’s graduates and this bursary will be helping them to complete their degree in the first part of the journey to ensure equal representation of women in computing fields."
So far, Kainos have supported students with almost £10,000 of funding, from 1st years through to final year students.
Find out more about Kainos’ work in our communities here.