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.

“Without programmes like Next Step York, supported by the University of Opportunity, I wouldn’t be here and neither would some of my friends. It opens up so many opportunities for those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to them. University is such an important experience, it’s been the best year of my life and everyone should have access to it regardless of their background.” - 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.

“My sixth form college showed me all the widening participation programmes, which is how I found the Next Step York programme that got me into university. It showed me what university would be like. There were academic workshops, information about the societies, and basically an overview of everything that goes on.” - Layla, 1st Year, BA English Literature

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

Will you consider making a donation today to close the gaps for students like Layla and help York to become the University of Opportunity?