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The fund represents York's ambition to be the university of opportunity in the UK. A place where there are no gaps to access (getting to university), success (thriving whilst here), and progression (opportunities after graduation) for any student.
It is about creating pathways to success for everyone, no matter where they come from or what challenges they face. Your support will help us do even more. The range of programmes supported by the fund support students who are underrepresented and face persistent socio-economic, education and societal barriers.
University should be a place where every student is empowered and supported to meet their potential, but we need your help to achieve this.
Emily, a current third year BA Criminal Justice and Social Policy student and University of Opportunity beneficiary, shared her thoughts on the fund:
“I think the University of Opportunity is important for students because everyone deserves the opportunity to be educated, and finances shouldn’t be the sole reason why that can’t happen. It’s such a shame that so many intelligent people never get the chance to utilise their abilities because of financial barriers. The university’s ambition to close gaps in access, success, award, and progression is incredible. Being a student who’s received that support, it feels like the university is investing in you, and everyone really wants you to succeed. For the first time in my life, it feels like a level playing field.”
Emily grew up in a single-mum household Bradford, receiving free school meals and with no family history of university education. Emily suffered a significant setback when she first attended another university, where she struggled with mental health and lack of community and support. However, at the University of York she has been able to achieve her ambition of gaining a university degree, due in large part to the strong community and support York provides.
In particular, the financial support Emily has received through the University of Opportunity fund has made a huge impact on her.
“It felt like the university - and the donors - were investing in me, which boosted my self-belief. I’ve really tried hard in my degree. The scholarship has given me the opportunity to build connections and spend time thinking about careers. All the experiences I’ve gained through the different avenues the Opportunity Scholarship opened up for me will definitely affect my future plans. There are things I want to do now that I probably wouldn’t have even known about or considered if it weren’t for the scholarship.”
“If I had to sum up how the University of Opportunity has changed my life, I’d say that I wouldn’t be on a different path if it weren’t for the University of Opportunity Fund - I might not be on any path at all. Being at university has been the best experience of my life, and I’ll forever be grateful for it. I don’t think I’d be the same person without it. It’s genuinely life-changing, and I’ll always hold it as something special.”
Emily has been able to receive the support she needed to thrive, changing the direction of her life for the better. But we know there are still gaps, and we do not accept this. Your support today will help us level the playing field for more students like Emily.
With your support, York can build on the foundations of existing support and programmes, targeting key areas to make sure all students have equal opportunities to succeed and make the most of their time at York. This could range from providing bursaries and scholarships for the most vulnerable students, to careers support, to funding for student activities on campus, and much more.
Please consider making a gift to the University of Opportunity fund this Giving Day, showing your support for our mission to become the university of opportunity.
Thank you.