Removing Gaps in Opportunity
Our commitment to removing barriers
At York, we believe that everyone, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to access the education they need to realise their true potential. As a University for Public Good, widening access and opening up opportunities has always been a powerful part of our heritage.
At a time where the cost of living is continuously rising, many students find it increasingly hard to prioritise education over financial stability. This is where the University of Opportunity Fund comes in. The Fund provides financial support and community to students who are under-represented and face persistent socio-economics barriers to help them focus on their studies, rather than worrying how they will pay their rent.
“What I remember most isn't the practical support. It's knowing that, during one of the most difficult periods of my life, there were people looking out for me. This year I achieved my highest academic results to date. After taking a leave of absence to manage grief, these results prove that when my circumstances are stable I am capable of performing at the highest level.”
Isobel, 2nd year Law student
Access: getting in to university
Widening access programmes at the University of York are the first steps to helping prospective students see a clear path to their future. Initiatives that the fund supports include:
- Practical outreach programmes to help prospective students make informed decisions
- Proactive contact from student support staff
- Campus visits and residential trip opportunities
- Guidance and buddying from current students
Success: thriving as a student
The university experience is about more than the degree you get at the end. It is about making lasting friendships, pursuing your passions and trying new things. We are striving to ensure that less-advantaged students get the opportunity to experience that, helping them to thrive while they study here. Initiatives that the fund supports include:
- Subsidised society costs
- Non re-payable bursaries
- Emergency funding
- Accommodation support
- Student community programmes including buddying and events
- Bedding and kitchen packs for students without family support
Progression: realising opportunities beyond graduation
For many students without a financial safety net, there are hidden costs of starting a career, such as buying a suit or taking on unpaid opportunities. Support through the Fund helps to close those gaps and help students progress beyond graduation. Initiatives include:
- Financial support that supports students accessing work experience, internships and volunteering opportunities
- Subsidised travel costs for job interviews
- Providing suitable clothing options for interviews and work experience
- Targeted employability programmes
- Mentoring
Breaking barriers, backing talent.
- Care experienced or estranged students with limited or no family support
- Students from low income households
- First generation students
- Mature students
- Students with a mental or physical disability
- Students from an ethnic minority background including South Asian, Black and Traveller, Gypsy and Roma communities
Opening up opportunities
The university is committed to becoming the University of Opportunity through these programmes:
