Hg Access to Tech Scholarships
Hg is Europe's largest investor in software and technology, with an investment portfolio of 40 businesses across Europe and North America, a collective value of over $70bn, and around 50,000 employees.
Hg is passionate about talent and skills within the tech industry, and we are honoured to have partnered with Salford alumnus and Hg's Executive Chairman and Senior Partner, Nic Humphries, to create the Hg Access to Tech Scholarship programme with the aim of breaking down barriers to access to tech education and careers.
The Scholarship
The Hg Access to Tech Scholarship launched in the 2021/22 academic year, awarding five students completing a STEM course - Science, Technology, Mathematics or Engineering - with a financial reward to support them during their undergraduate degree. We are delighted that the programme will initially run until 2024, with a total of 14 scholarships available during this period.
When asked about the scholarships, Nic Humphries said:
"Across an ecosystem of leading software businesses surrounding Hg, we see first-hand how careers in technology continue to be in high demand across the workplace - it's such a critical time for technology education and skills development. Economies can only meet this demand by removing barriers to those wishing to pursue these careers.
"Tech is the future and an area where a high proportion of job growth is predicted - we recognise this at Hg and it is also something that is personally important to me. I want to open doors for those that want to enter the industry by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to start their career.
I was lucky enough to study at the University of Salford before moving into the tech industry myself. It feels like a natural fit to launch this partnership and I am confident that this sponsorship will unlock the potential of many young people wishing to study a STEM subject, who previously thought it was out of reach."
Mehrdad
"I believe the Scholarship will be a huge benefit, both financially and otherwise, especially this year - I would have been under financial pressure and continuing with my studies would have been unlikely.
I would like to express my appreciation for granting me with this award, without which I would find it difficult, if not impossible, to continue with my studies."
Aimi
"Being chosen for a Scholarship has really given me a boost. It is clarification that someone believes in me, and I want to succeed in my studies even more now than I did before."
Abdalla
"The Scholarship will give me and my studies a boost. It will be really beneficial and motivate me to focus on my university studies."
Faith
"With this Scholarship, I'll be able to work fewer hours and focus more on strengthening both my academic and social life. It means I don't have to worry about money or feel guilty when I spend some on myself."
Hassan
"The Scholarship will benefit me in many ways. It will allow me to spend on resources I need, to buy books to aid my studies, the necessary equipment to allow me to work without any diversions, to worry less about money and more about computers, to focus my energy on growth."
Industry collaboration, alongside improving access to learning, is a strategic priority for the University, and it is thanks to donors like Nic Humphries that we are able to support students who may otherwise be deterred from higher education with a non-repayable financial reward and the support to achieve their potential.