A former Netflix executive and graduate of Durham University has donated $3.5m (£2.8m) to the university to help more women progress into top jobs in the tech sector.
Neil Hunt worked as Netflix’s first chief product officer after landing the role in 1999, and helped steer the company from an online DVD rental firm to one of world’s biggest video streaming platforms.
His multi-million dollar donation has been made to the university’s department of computer sciences and will finance projects designed to tackle the underrepresentation of women in senior roles in the tech sector. It will also create new scholarships for students from low income backgrounds.
Mr Hunt said: “Today’s high-tech industry is fiercely competitive for talent, and we cannot afford to shut out 50% or more of the potential from even getting to the starting gate. Women make up just 15% of Computer Science graduates - a figure that continues to fall - and this cries out for correction.
“My education at Durham University was a key stepping-stone to the success that I have been fortunate to enjoy in my career, and I want to maximize the opportunities for those who follow. I hope my gift will inspire others – in industry and in education – to cultivate future generations of innovation and leadership from all walks of life.”
The former Netflix exec is one of the founding members of Durham University’s external computer science advisory board and recently received an honourary degree from the university. He is also working alongside Anne-Marie Imafidon, the founder of the Stemettes programme, to help make Durham a place that can change the male-dominated tech sector.
Ms Imafidon said: “The issue of diversity in tech is systemic, and universities can play a huge part in modelling inclusive cultures and practices for schools and industry to follow. Underrepresentation is about attraction and pipeline, but also retention.
“I’m pleased to see Durham taking a proactive approach and prioritising inclusivity, and am proud to be part of the University’s AMI Women in Technology programme, which we will be able to expand significantly with Neil’s generous support.”
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Dr Hunt’s donation will support scholarships to attract and develop young women wanting to study computer science at Durham, plus young people from disadvantaged areas who want to study there and outreach sessions in underrepresented areas.
There will also be support from students at Dr Hunt’s former college, Collingwood, to undertake internship experiences and a careers and industry programme that aims to give students “unparalleled opportunities to undertake meaningful career opportunities in global tech roles, cultivating future tech leaders with hands-on employability skills”.
Prof Gordon Love, head of computer science at Durham, said: “Neil’s gift will be absolutely transformational to computer science at Durham, and we’re immensely grateful for his support as a valued member of our advisory board and as a donor to the university.
“The Hunt Programme will be pivotal in helping us to create vital scholarship support, ensuring talented students from all backgrounds can study computer science here and access formative industry experiences which will shape their future careers. Programmes such as our AMI Women in Technology scholarships would not have been possible without the immeasurable support of Neil and his fellow alumni, and it has been truly inspiring to have industry leaders of this remarkable caliber working with us to tackle this ubiquitous issue of diversity in tech.”