Newcastle-based Atom bank has today announced the successful distribution of £13,250 to recipients of the Atom Futures Fund, reaffirming its deep-rooted commitment to supporting and developing early career talent in the North East of England.

The Atom Futures Fund is run in partnership with Point North to encourage and support sixth form students in County Durham from low-income backgrounds, those who are in the care system or with caring responsibilities to apply to Russell Group universities. The Fund is structured in two parts: Part One offers a £250 financial incentive to eligible Year 13 students who apply for a Russell Group University, and Part Two provides a further £1,000 to those who receive and accept an offer from their chosen University.

Having supported 13 candidates earlier in the year with a Part One grant, eight young people have now each received a £1,000 grant through Part Two of the Fund. The funding recognises the fantastic achievements of all the students involved in both elements of the Futures Fund, and is a central part of Atom’s strategy to champion talent from across the region. From 2026, Atom intends to broaden the remit of the Futures Fund and to provide up to 20 Part One and 10 Part Two grants. Applications will continue to be managed by Point North and will open shortly.

Further early career investment

Atom has also begun working with the next cohort of AMI Durham University Women in Tech scholars. The two recipients of the Atom funded scholarships receive a grant of £4,000 per annum for all three years of their course. The support is available to female students from low income backgrounds commencing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a joint-honours programme with Computer Science at Durham University. The scholarship provides both financial support and practical work experience, through an opportunity to work with Atom bank during the summer.

With more students being supported in their university education, Atom bank is also building on the success of its other early careers partnerships, which are aimed at those still at school. The EY Foundation Smart Futures two week internship is available to year 12 students from low income backgrounds who are looking to gain experience of professional and financial service firms before making their post-18 choices. Applications for this scheme - which includes a stipend for the duration of the course and time with both the EY Foundation and Atom bank - have risen significantly, and as a result Atom bank has agreed to expand the fully funded places from six to eight. The bank is looking forward to welcoming the new cohort to Atom this April.

Asli Ozgur, successful AMI scholar recipient, said: “The AMI scholarship has enabled me to concentrate fully on my academic goals and make the most of my university experience. Atom bank’s support has made a meaningful difference to my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I’m excited to continue developing my skills and hope to inspire other students to believe in their potential and strive for success in their chosen fields.”

Edward Twiddy, ESG Director at Atom bank, said:

“Our investment in the Atom Futures Fund and our other programmes is a direct commitment to supporting the next generation of innovators and leaders. We are proud to back early career talent across the North East, ensuring a strong future pipeline of skills for Atom and a deepening talent pool across the region. The latest recipients of the Women in Tech Scholarships are already firmly embedded into their courses and all that Durham University has to offer. We’re delighted to be in a position to increase funding for the Smart Futures programme right now, and we hope to extend the Atom Futures Fund even further.

“Atom’s commitment to the Durham Maths School is the fourth pillar of our Social Investment Strategy, and this recently received a huge boost with confirmation from the Department for Education that establishment of the school remains a priority for central government. With a new industrial revolution coming fast to all sectors of the economy, we need as many companies as possible to be supporting the next generation to make full use of their talents. Only then will firms like ours and the North East continue to be a focus for the investment and productivity gains that we need to support all our futures.”