A student from Slough who wants to play a part in the UK’s digital future will receive £27,000 towards completing their higher education studies thanks to a new scholarship launched by data center company, Yondr.
The new scholarship for a Slough-based student is part of Yondr’s commitment to community engagement and goal of being a welcome neighbour in every location in which they operate. The initiative builds on the work Yondr has done in partnership with Activate Learning Education Trust (ALET), which manages the Digital Futures Programme, at various University Technical College (UTC) institutions around the country, including UTC Heathrow and UTC Reading, created to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the digital industries.
Wayne Edwards from ALET commented: “Since the launch of the Digital Futures Programme in 2021, we have seen first-hand the depth of interest and wealth of talent in this region, alongside a strong ambition to play an active role in building the UK’s digital infrastructure. Financial barriers can prevent talented students from reaching their full potential, so this scholarship will make a significant difference, allowing the recipient to focus on their studies while engaging with a business that is already a major force in the UK’s digital economy.”
The new Yondr scholarship is open to applicants from Slough, or surrounding areas who plan to begin a university course in the 2026/2027 academic year in a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering and maths), related to the data center sector and digital infrastructure. The £27,000 bursary, alongside potential mentoring and internship opportunities will support a local student in working towards a career in the digital infrastructure sector, while also contributing to the development of future talent for the data center industry. The successful applicant will receive the bursary in installments during the course of their three- or four-year degree course.
Applications are welcomed from any local student who has secured a place or conditional offer from any UK university to study for a degree in engineering, computer science, construction, property, maths, economics, finance or any other STEM field aligned to the built environment and infrastructure sectors. Preference will be given to Slough residents from UTC Heathrow and UTC Reading, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds (as defined by the Social Mobility Commission). Female applicants are particularly encouraged.
Slough Borough Council has also welcomed Yondr’s announcement of the new scholarship for a Slough-based student. Neil Hoskinson – Director of Education commented: “Slough is proudly at the heart of the UK’s data center industry and we actively encourage young people to embrace the opportunities this sector brings with it and be part of delivering the UK’s digital economy. The scholarship that Yondr has announced is a perfect legacy for their 100MW data center campus in Slough and a strong example of responsible business in action. It shows a commitment to working with the local community by directly supporting students as they work towards their career goals.
Ciara Murray, Sustainability Manager at Yondr added: “Slough is a progressive and ambitious town and, in addition to the work we have been doing with the UTCs and local schools, we were keen that a student from the local area should directly benefit from the digital transformation taking place here. By offering this scholarship we want to help unlock local potential and inspire the future leaders of our industry. We look forward to reviewing the applications and announcing the successful scholar later this year.”
