A programme built on partnership
For ten years, the Gold Scholarship Programme has supported talented students from under-resourced backgrounds to thrive at Bath and beyond.
Established to address inequalities in student experience, progression and graduate outcomes, the Programme recognises that financial barriers are only part of the challenge many students face. Access to networks, opportunities, confidence-building experiences and a strong sense of belonging can be equally important in shaping future success.
The Programme combines financial support with employability training, mentoring, volunteering opportunities and a vibrant Scholar community, helping students develop the skills, confidence and connections needed to achieve their ambitions.
Since its launch, the Programme has supported hundreds of students from backgrounds traditionally under-represented in higher education, including students from low-income households, disabled students, care-experienced students and refugees.
Thank you to our staff community
While coordinated by a small team in Student Support, the Programme has always been a collective effort. Academic and professional services staff, alumni, industry partners and senior leaders have contributed their time, expertise and encouragement, creating opportunities that help Scholars realise their potential.
As Matthew Vickers, Careers Consultant, reflects, one of the Programme's lasting strengths is the sense of community it creates:
''The programme allows students to build friendships with others they might otherwise never have met at Bath.'' He also notes the lasting impact of that support, describing how alumni remain connected and keen to give back, which he says is testament to the programme's role in their own success.
The success of the Gold Scholarship Programme reflects the commitment of colleagues across the University.
Over the past decade, staff have mentored Scholars, delivered workshops, spoken at events, shared career insights and championed opportunities for students. Through these contributions, they have helped Scholars build confidence, expand their networks and access experiences that can be transformative for their future development.
Just as importantly, colleagues have helped create the welcoming and inclusive community at the heart of the Programme, ensuring Scholars feel supported, valued and empowered to pursue their ambitions.
As Clea Mcdonald, Digital and Academic Skills Course Leader, explains:
"For me, the students' appetite for learning and engagement with the programme has meant workshops and activities are greeted with real enthusiasm, usually including insightful and meaningful questions. It reminds me of why I choose to work in higher education – having the opportunity to support young adults broaden their experiences and explore new possibilities makes the ideals of education visible."
Reflecting on the wider impact of the Programme, she adds: "The GS programme creates a supportive and nurturing environment for their students to achieve this; I am very pleased to be involved."
As we celebrate this milestone year, we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Programme's success. The achievements of our Scholars are a testament not only to their talent and determination, but also to the generosity of the wider University community.
Get involved
As part of our anniversary celebrations, we're collecting stories from colleagues who have helped shape the Gold Scholarship Programme over the last ten years. While some reflections are already featured in this article, we would love to hear from even more members of our community. If you've supported the Programme as a peer group facilitator, mentor, speaker, workshop facilitator, event volunteer or in any other way, we'd be delighted to receive your reflections and memories.
We're also always keen to welcome new volunteers. If you'd like to mentor a Scholar, contribute to an event, share your expertise or support our employability and enrichment activities, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
To share a reflection or find out more about volunteering and mentoring, please contact gold-admin@bath.ac.uk.
You can also follow the Gold Scholarship Programme on LinkedIn to keep up to date with anniversary celebrations, scholar success stories and opportunities to get involved.
While this the 10-year milestone is an opportunity to reflect on everything the Gold Scholarship Programme has achieved over the past decade, it is also a moment to look to the future. With the continued support of our University community, we are excited to see how the Programme will grow, evolve and create opportunities for future generations of Scholars.
The first ten years have shown what is possible. We can't wait to see where the next ten take us.