University scholarship for white males to continue

A scholarship offering financial support to white working-class males studying at the University of Bradford will continue.

The Keith Howard Opportunities Programme offers at least £500 a month towards living costs to successful applicants. It is designed to make it easier for under-represented groups, in this case white working-class males, to access higher education.

The programme, which started in September 2024, will welcome two new scholars during the 2026/27 academic year, after its funding support from the Keith Howard Foundation was renewed.

Paul Watson, Provost and Director of Teaching Excellence and Student Experience at the University of Bradford, said: “We remain grateful to the Keith Howard Foundation for their continued support with this unique scholarship, which helps to change the lives of those who participate.

“The Programme aligns with the University’s strategic plan for 2025-2035 which retains our commitment to inclusion where we see diversity is a source of strength which must be understood, valued, supported, and leveraged.”

More on the programme

To be eligible for the scholarship, named after businessman Dr Keith Howard OBE, applicants should identify as white, male and their parents or guardians must not have studied in higher education.

All of the University’s full-time undergraduate courses are eligible for the scholarship, which offers monthly grants up to £500 in year one, £550 in year two and £605 in year three.

Drive to succeed

Gareth Atkinson, 41, from Keighley, was one of the initial recipients of the Keith Howard Opportunities Programme. He previously worked as a head chef and ran his own hospitality business before starting his studies in BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography in September 2024.

The father-of-three said: “The scholarship has enabled me to financially support my family while I study.

“I feel it has also given me the drive to succeed as people have seen it fit to invest in my future.”

More on the Foundation

The Keith Howard Foundation, formerly known as the Emerald Foundation, set up by the late Dr Howard (1931-2021) in 2008, continues longstanding links between the late businessman and the University. The philanthropist, a graduate of the University’s of School of Management, helped set up Emerald Publishing in 1967.

Melissa Tomlinson, Keith Howard Foundation Chair, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our work with the University of Bradford on the Keith Howard Opportunities Programme for another year, with a new cohort starting in the 2026/27 academic year.

“Keith, who founded The Keith Howard Foundation, not only had a strong connection with the University but strongly believed that everyone should have the opportunity to attend University to develop in education and within their own skillset.

“This Programme provides that opportunity to two more individuals who didn’t think that would be possible, hopefully positively shaping their career and future.”

The Keith Howard Opportunities Programme supports the University’s 2025-2035 strategy by helping more people access higher education. It reflects the University’s commitment to inclusion and widening participation, ensuring students from all backgrounds have the chance to succeed.

Any eligible candidates for the Keith Howard Opportunities Programme in the 2026/27 academic year can submit an expression of interest form at bradford.ac.uk/scholarships/keith-howard-opportunities-programme-2026-27/