BCS membership bursary
We’re seeking grassroots movements and organisations championing equity in technology skills development. We want to connect with groups, leaders, and influencers who believe that diverse perspectives and equitable access to professional digital skills development can create a thriving, inclusive tech community.
About the Bursary Scheme
The BCS bursary scheme aims to break down barriers for underrepresented groups by providing resources for professional growth through BCS membership.
Our Goals
We believe a diverse and inclusive IT profession is essential for a safe and positive future. Our goal is to distribute over 5,000 bursaries annually by 2026, fostering a more representative and inclusive tech industry.
Eligibility for the BCS Membership Bursary
The BCS membership bursary is available to UK non-profit organisations and networks supporting underrepresented groups or individuals from socially and economically diverse backgrounds. As a bursary partner, BCS will collaborate with you to implement an engagement and application process for your community.
Member Benefits
Bursary recipients will receive either a student or professional membership based on their profile. Members will also join relevant community groups related to their IT interests and support networks.
What are the benefits of membership?
Being a tech professional today is about more than qualifications; it’s about recognising your impact and committing to a safe digital future for all. BCS membership gives you the tools you need to both progress in your career and help make IT good for society, including:
- events
- online learning
- networking opportunities
- community groups
- Plus much more!
Employers look for individuals who take ownership of their own professional development and live the values of BCS.
What are the next steps?
BCS looks to approach organisations and be proactive about how we can support their communities, but are keen to hear from organisations who believe that a bursary can assist with their aims and objectives.
Who else do we work with?
In 2020 BCS investigated the current gender and ethnicity makeup of the industry, where it was determined that black women are the most underrepresented minority in the profession at just 0.7%.
Together BCS and Coding Black Females wants to commit to, building a highly competent and ethical profession and promotes talent from all backgrounds. Given our shared goal of developing the careers of black women, BCS and CBF have been working together since 2020 to provide hundreds of black women with BCS membership, and the opportunity to harness the BCS network, mentoring, CPD and much more.
CBF Report (2022)
BCS and CBF penned a report that investigated the experiences of black women in technology. The report contains ONS figures, a survey of BCS and CBF members and produces a number of recommendations for IT companies and departments.
