Empowering the next generation of North East talent

At Atom, we’ve always believed that being a bank of the future means more than just having a great app. It means investing in the people who will build that future.

We’re excited to share an update on several key Atom initiatives and partnerships that are actively working to close the opportunity gap and champion early talent across the North East.

Our commitment is being put into action as we announce the second round of the Atom Futures Fund awards, welcome two new scholars into the AMI Women in Tech programme and other projects.

The Atom Futures Fund

The past year, we are proud to have distributed £13,250 through the Atom Futures Fund. These grants are specifically designed to support sixth-form students from low-income or care-experienced backgrounds in applying for places at prestigious Russell Group universities. The Fund is in two parts - part one is an incentive to apply to a Russell Group university, and part two offers further support if a place is taken up and study continues into the second term and beyond.

By easing the financial pressure of higher education and removing some potential barriers, we’re ensuring that the brightest minds in our region can focus on what matters most: their potential.

Championing Women in Tech

We are delighted to continue our support for the latest cohort of AMI Durham University 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.

These scholarships are central to our dedication to boosting representation in the technology sector. In addition to the financial grant, we provide mentorship to support the development of the female tech leaders of tomorrow.

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.”

Expanding opportunities with the EY Foundation

We don’t just want to fund the future, we want to provide the experience to lead it too. That’s why we’ve increased our commitment to the EY Foundation Smart Futures program, expanding our internship intake from six to eight places for 2026. These placements give young people a front-row seat to the world of fintech and professional services.

A long-term vision for education in the North East

Our support for the region continues with our reconfirmed commitment to the Durham Maths School. When it opens, the brand new specialist Maths School in County Durham will offer state funded A-Level courses to talented youngsters looking to study maths and other STEM subjects. By funding this key project, we are helping to create a hub for mathematical excellence that will benefit the North East for generations to come.

Edward Twiddy, ESG Director at Atom

“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.”

To discover more about our mission and the positive impact Atom is making, please visit our About us page.