Young people with a passion for cyber and tech are being offered a helping hand into higher education by the University of Gloucestershire and Golden Valley, with the launch of a new scholarship scheme.
Worth up to £1,500 each, Golden Valley Tech Futures scholarships will be available to students joining the university's BSc Computer Science or BSc Cyber Security courses in September 2026.
The scheme is part of wider activity designed to develop a talent pipeline for Cheltenham's Golden Valley – set to become an 'internationally significant' hub for cyber, AI and secure communications and 'one of Europe’s leading technology clusters' once built.
Aiming to remove financial barriers to university, the awards are targeted at 'high-achieving' students from areas with historically low participation in higher education, and are designed to help with living costs. They will be awarded through an eligibility process based equally on academic achievement and postcode-based participation data.
It comes with the university also establishing a youth advisory board for the project, giving young people a platform to contribute ideas, challenge thinking and advise on the development of the cyber innovation district.
Dame Clare Marchant DBE, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the university, said: 'Golden Valley represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Gloucestershire, but its success will ultimately depend on people. We need a strong, diverse and sustainable pipeline of cyber and digital talent if we are to realise the full benefits of this investment.
'Rising living costs can create additional barriers for those from areas where progression to higher education has traditionally been lower. We cannot afford for that talent and potential to be lost.
'The Golden Valley Tech Futures Scholarship is designed to address that challenge directly. We are delighted that HBD has chosen to support the scheme and hope their leadership will encourage other organisations to join us in investing in the next generation of talent.'
The university will fund half of each scholarship, with employers 'from across the Golden Valley ecosystem' being invited to sponsor the remaining £750 per student.
Cheltenham Borough Council's developer partner for the project, HBD, has pledged to fund the first 10 scholarships, with other businesses now being called on to offer support.
Hamer Boot, managing director at HBD, said: 'Golden Valley is about creating opportunities for future generations and ensuring that Gloucestershire has the talent needed to support a world-leading cyber and technology ecosystem.
'We are proud to be sponsoring 10 Golden Valley Tech Futures Scholarships and helping talented young people access the education and opportunities they need to succeed. We hope other businesses across the sector will join us in supporting this important initiative.'
