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Amazon launches bursary for female tech students
Amazon has launched a new programme to help young women from less advantaged backgrounds begin careers in innovation and technology.
The Amazon Women in Innovation Bursary is part of the Amazon in the Community programme, which aims to help young people succeed in the digital economy across the UK.
The bursaries programme will be supported at universities where the company has a development centre, including the University of Edinburgh, King’s College London and Churchill College in the University of Cambridge.
The bursary will offer funding of between £3,500 and £7,500 per year to a female student planning to attend one of the three universities and taking up a degree that supports high-tech innovation, including electronic engineering, robotics and intelligent systems, and computer science courses. Students from households with an annual income under £42,620 will be eligible for the bursary, and each recipient will be chosen by their own university.
Amazon will support the female student’s living costs for up to four years and provide mentoring on business skills like CV-building and interview techniques.
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 the bursary will make a big difference to many young women who one day will become future leaders in innovation.”
Dr. Sally Boss, senior tutor, Churchill College in the University of Cambridge, added: “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 for the course.”
Katie Worton, who the bursary has enabled to study artificial intelligence and computer science at Edinburgh University, 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 bursary 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.”
