Leeds students have been taking part in a programme that supports disadvantaged children into university.
For the past decade, IntoUniversity centres in Beeston and Harehills have helped young people from disadvantaged backgrounds enter higher education.
The programme, in partnership with the University of Leeds, has provided vital academic support.
The two centres offer after-school study sessions, mentor meetings and a FOCUS programme, the University of Leeds reports.
This year marks 10 years since the initiative first launched. Over the years, more than 14,000 young people have accessed the service.
Data compiled by the university shows that 62 per cent of students on the programme progress to higher education. In contrast, only 24 per cent of students who receive free school meals across the city do so.
‘The staff supported us through sharing their experiences’
Aneesah, now a social work student at the University of Leeds, first encountered IntoUniversity in primary school. She recalls engaging in arts and crafts, acting, and learning about journalism and Macbeth.
She described the scheme as an “exciting insight” into university life. It introduced her to courses, halls of residence and graduation ceremonies.
“The staff supported us through sharing their experience at the University with enthusiasm and answering our limitless questions,”she said.
“Into University helped me to expand my knowledge at a young age and enabled me to consider the educational opportunities available and my future ahead,” she added.
Riham, a second-year education student, first joined IntoUniversity at 10 years old. She remembers a week of activities that ended with a graduation ceremony at the university’s Great Hall.
Last year, upon starting at the University of Leeds, she discovered she could volunteer as a mentor. She signed up to support young students who, like her, once felt uncertain about their futures.
‘It opens up a new perspective’
Riham believes IntoUniversity helps children see university as an achievable goal. “It opens up a new perspective,” she said.
She believes it gives children a realistic view of university, like the process, the different courses, and the help and support available. She added that all of this can make university more desirable and accessible for young people.
She also finds mentoring highly rewarding, saying: “You get to see the person really grow throughout your time with them.
“Instead of seeing me as a teacher or an authoritative figure, I’m more relatable – someone a student can feel comfortable around, who they can ask anything.”
‘I’ve found my mentor a big help’
Ella, an environmental science student at Leeds and IntoUniversity volunteer, said: “I volunteer because I want to have a positive impact in my time at university; through IntoUniversity I can do that by helping a young person reach their academic goals and improve their confidence, and perhaps progress onto higher education.”
A year seven pupil who participated in the programme shared their experience: “I’ve found my mentor a big help…my test scores got better and I have a new interest in studying history.”
Another pupil reflected on their learning journey: “I’ve learnt about different pathways in the future from my mentor and I have become more reflective about my future.”
Loredana David, a third-year psychology student, said volunteering was a highlight of her university life: “Meeting so many different pupils, from so many diverse backgrounds, has been incredibly inspiring.”
‘We look forward to carrying on the successful collaboration’
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and president at the University of Leeds, praised the programme, saying: “IntoUniversity is a real team effort: the Leeds centres, local communities, charities and organisations, as well as our alumni community, colleagues and students have all played a part in helping this programme change lives for young people over the last decade.”
She emphasised the university’s commitment, adding how they prioritise community partnerships which is why they have pledged to support IntoUniversity for another five years.
Dr. Rachel Carr, Chief Executive and founder of IntoUniversity, expressed her excitement about celebrating 10 years of the Leeds centres and the strong partnership with the University of Leeds. She also mentioned how they expanded from one centre to three in the city.
She continued: “Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of talented young individuals in Leeds, helping them reach their full potential and achieve their educational goals.
“Thank you so much to our partner, the University of Leeds, who have made these centres possible, we look forward to carrying on the successful collaboration for many years to come.”
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Featured image via Pixabay
