Removing Gaps in Opportunity
A lifetime commitment to removing barriers.
The University of Opportunity fund prioritises opportunity for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.
It's 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 programmes supported by the fund target students who are underrepresented and face persistent socio-economic, education and societal barriers.
Our ambition to become the University of Opportunity
We believe education changes lives but belief isn't enough.
Here, at York, we're taking action to become the University of Opportunity - a lifetime commitment to removing barriers so that no student is left behind. We're making access to university fairer, so no one is held back by their background or postcode.
We're building a culture where every student can thrive, academically and socially. And we're reshaping graduation, not as the end but the start of lifelong support.
This is the University of Opportunity and it starts with all of us.
“People like me don’t grow up thinking university is possible. My background has nothing to do with my ability but it has everything to do with the opportunities you are afforded.
Before Next Step York I was just thinking of working in a cafe or the same job I had back home. Now my plans are completely different. Without the support of donors like you these programs wouldn’t exist - and neither would our chances of success.”
Layla, 1st Year, BA English Literature
Widening access programmes are the University of Opportunity’s first step in helping prospective students to see a clear path to their future. Through our success programmes we are giving students the resources to thrive during their time at university whilst achieving the best possible degree outcome. Our progression programmes also provide opportunities for students to improve their personal and professional development and access employability experiences to enhance their possibilities post-graduation.
Every year, many students like Layla face a very difficult decision as to whether or not university is for them. Coming from a less advantaged background shouldn’t stop any student from seeing York as part of their future. By making a donation to the University of Opportunity fund, you can help more young people see university in their future.
“Without programs funded by the Opportunity Fund, I wouldn’t be here. University is such an important experience - it’s been the best year of my life so far - and everyone should have the opportunity to access it regardless of their background.I’ve learned so much and met so many different people who’ve widened my view of the world significantly.”
Layla, BA English, University of York
A gift to the fund will support bursaries & scholarships for the most vulnerable students.
Our ambition applies to all of our students, but we know the gaps are wider for some students who are facing multiple barriers. We must pay special attention to certain students and student groups, where we see gaps occurring in terms of access, success, and progression.
By giving to the fund, you’ll help provide financial support for vulnerable students across these groups:
- Students from less advantaged backgrounds with low household income
- Students with a physical or mental disability
- Care experienced and estranged students
- Mature students
- Students from an ethnic minority background (including South Asian (UK), Black (UK) and Traveller communities)
- First generation students like Layla
How you can support our work
The university is committed to becoming the University of Opportunity through these programmes:
