Cheltenham-based technology company Origin8tive has become the latest organisation to support University of Gloucestershire’s Golden Valley Tech Futures Scholarship, sponsoring scholarships for students beginning their studies this September.
The scholarship scheme was launched earlier this year to help talented young people overcome financial barriers to studying BSc Computer Science or BSc Cyber Security at University of Gloucestershire.
Each scholarship is worth £1,500, with the University funding half of the award and employer sponsors contributing the remaining £750. The initiative is designed to strengthen the pipeline of cyber and digital talent needed to support the future growth of Golden Valley and Gloucestershire’s rapidly expanding technology sector.
Brian Lewis, Founder and Chief Executive of Origin8tive, said: “As a Gloucestershire business working at the forefront of technology, we know that our future success depends on developing talented people with the right skills.
“These scholarships will help ensure that financial circumstances are not a barrier to ambitious young people pursuing careers in cyber and digital technologies. We’re proud to support a scheme that will help widen access to opportunity while strengthening the talent pipeline for businesses across Gloucestershire.”
Dame Clare Marchant DBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of University of Gloucestershire, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Origin8tive as a sponsor of the Golden Valley Tech Futures Scholarships.
“Creating a world-leading cyber and technology ecosystem requires collaboration between education and industry. By investing in these scholarships, Origin8tive is helping talented young people access life-changing opportunities while contributing to the long-term success of Gloucestershire’s innovation economy.
“I would like to thank Brian and the team for their support and encourage other businesses to join them in investing in the region’s future workforce.”
The Golden Valley Tech Futures Scholarship supports high-achieving UK students from areas with historically low participation in higher education who are joining the University’s Computer Science and Cyber Security programmes.
The initiative forms part of a wider programme of activity to develop the skills needed to support Golden Valley, the £1 billion cyber, AI and secure communications development that is transforming Cheltenham into one of Europe’s leading technology clusters.
Businesses interested in sponsoring future scholarships can contact the University at externalrelationships@glos.ac.uk
