Slack co-founder funds more BCU students from under-represented backgrounds

Students at Birmingham City University are being helped through their studies by a programme funded by one of the university's most successful former students, the co-founder of the workplace messaging app Slack.

The Henderson Programme supports talented students from under-represented backgrounds studying computing, engineering and the built environment. It provides scholarships, bursaries, awards and development opportunities to help them overcome financial barriers.

Who is behind it

The programme was set up by Cal Henderson, a BCU software engineering graduate who co-founded Slack and was its chief technology officer, through the Henderson Family Foundation. He and his wife, Rebecca, have donated 3.31 million dollars since 2023, including 2.75 million dollars to expand the programme between 2026 and 2028.

Since 2024, it has supported 326 students. From this year, it aims to support more than 200 students a year.

From night shifts to study

Bukhaari Aden, 19, from Birmingham, is studying computer science. He has received a Henderson Scholarship covering three years of tuition, and works as a security guard.

"It allows me to put all my energies into my studies," he said.

Designing electric cars

Temi Obatola, 18, from Brixton in London, is studying mechanical engineering and hopes to design electric cars. She has received a 2,000 pound Henderson Bursary.

"The money will enable me to work on bigger projects with better equipment," she said.

A community of scholars

Jordan Badger, 26, from Birmingham, is a second-year computer science student. "The money was important but being a Henderson Scholar is not just about the money; it's about the community and support," he said.

Sharna Henry, 30, from Edgbaston, is a second-year student on the computer science with artificial intelligence course. "The Henderson Programme is not just about a scholarship or an award; it's about growing as a person," she said.

Seed money for ideas

The programme also includes an Innovation Seed Fund, which offers up to 5,000 pounds for student projects, helping students turn ideas into prototypes or start-up businesses.

Why it matters

Technology and engineering jobs are often well paid and in high demand, but people from poorer backgrounds, women and some ethnic minority groups remain under-represented in them. The cost of living has also made it harder for many students to focus on their studies, with growing numbers working long hours in part-time jobs alongside their courses.

Scholarships and bursaries can make the difference between a student completing their degree or dropping out, and mentoring and networks can help them into good jobs afterwards.

Alumni giving back

Donations from former students are a growing source of support for UK universities, although giving remains far less common than at universities in the United States. Gifts like Henderson's show how graduates can help students who follow in their footsteps.

Tech in Birmingham

Birmingham's technology sector has grown quickly in recent years, and a new index has named the city as having the strongest growth potential for foreign investment in the UK. Local employers say they need more graduates with skills in software, data and engineering.

Help for students

Students who are struggling financially can check with their university about hardship funds, bursaries and scholarships, many of which go unclaimed each year.

About Slack

Slack, the messaging and collaboration tool used by millions of workers around the world, grew out of a games company co-founded by Cal Henderson and Stewart Butterfield. It was bought by the software company Salesforce in 2021. Henderson studied software engineering in Birmingham before building his career in technology.