Salford joins forces with The Gittins Family Charitable Trust to launch diversity-focused scholarships

The Gittins Trust is a charity focused on supporting students in engineering, manufacturing, and health work.

The University is committed to being inclusive, by creating an inspirational working environment which celebrates the diversity of our community. The Gittins Scholarship will help to further our work in this field as it has been designed to help increase the number of women completing an engineering degree and the number of men completing a nursing degree.

Michael Woodmore, Trustee of The Gittins Family Charitable Trust and alumnus of the University, said: “We are delighted to be providing this support for students on these crucial courses reflecting the wishes of my cousins who established the trust.”

Gemma Lace, Associate Dean in the School of Science, Engineering and Environment at the University of Salford said: “Anything that encourages more women to get involved in engineering and develop their skills is to be welcomed. It is important that engineering is not seen as only a place for men, or people from more privileged backgrounds, but for all talented women who have a passion for the subject.”

Neil Withnell, Associate Dean in the School of Health and Society and the University of Salford, said: “There is clearly a gender imbalance amongst nurses, and we welcome initiatives such as the partnership with The Gittins Family Charitable Trust to create a diverse student community.”

The Gittins Scholarship will be awarded during this academic year (22/23), initially supporting six Salford students from low-income backgrounds, providing them with invaluable financial support for the duration of their studies.