Amazon UK today announced that it is extending its bursary scheme aimed at helping young women from less advantaged backgrounds fulfil their ambitions of a career in innovation and technology.

The Amazon Women in Innovation Bursary Scheme will offer funding of £5,000 per year to a female student planning to attend Churchill College in the University of Cambridge and taking up a degree in Computer Science to support high-tech innovation in the UK.  

Following on from the successful two-year programme of the bursary at University of Edinburgh, and as part of a broader programme across the UK, Amazon are now offering bursaries at King’s College London and Churchill College for the academic year of 2016/17, starting this autumn.

Amazon have agreed to cover the University contribution to the Cambridge Bursary Scheme for eligible students, as well as provide an additional £1,500 of financial support for computing equipment and travel. The Cambridge Bursary Scheme provides financial assistance up to a value of £3,500 per year to UK/EU students from households which have an income below £42,620.

As well as supporting female students’ living costs for up to four years, Amazon will also provide mentoring on business skills like CV-building and interview techniques, as well as a potential work placement at Amazon’s local Development Centre. Their Cambridge centre supports Amazon innovations such as the development of Alexa, the cloud-based voice service, and Prime Air — a future delivery system designed to deliver parcels by small unmaned aerial vehicles.

Speaking about the scheme, Doug Gurr, UK Country Manager, Amazon said:

“We want to foster the next generation of high-tech superstars in Britain and help people from all walks of life invent for the future. We hope that over time this new scheme will make a big difference to many young women who one day will become future leaders in innovation.”

Churchill’s Senior Tutor, Sall Boss said:

“Churchill College is pleased to partner with Amazon for the Women in Innovation Bursary. We believe that this programme will help encourage young women from less advantaged backgrounds to consider studying Computer Sciences at the University, and we’re delighted to be working with Amazon to encourage applications to Churchill for the course.”

Katie Worton, aged 19 from Roslin, a student who benefits from the existing bursary scheme at Edinburgh University and is studying Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, said:

“I’ve always dreamt of forging a career in a field that’s cutting edge and innovative, and I value Amazon’s support. The scheme has given me the chance to grow thanks to real-life, hands-on experience during my placement at Amazon’s Development Centre in Edinburgh. It’s a fantastic programme, and I’d encourage any young woman who wants to explore a career in innovation to apply.” 

Contact

For further information, please contact:
Amazon UK Press Office
E: pressoffice@amazon.co.uk
T: 020 3680 0888