Aimhigher with BU

29 May 2012

BU helps school children make decisions about going to university.

In April 2012 pupils from local school years 10, 11 and 12 visited BU to learn about applying and going to university.

The day was a culmination of activities following a 10 week mentoring programme with undergraduate students working with a group of young people from under–represented groups in higher education.

During the day pupils found out about the process of applying to university, the benefits of attending and took part in a range of activities to reassure them about the cost of studying and living and financial support available.

Matthew Usher, Outreach Officer (Mentoring & Summer Schools) in Aimhigher with BU spoke to Meridian Tonight about the outreach work BU does.

“For a lot of the schools that we work with, they don’t have a sixth form, so going to college in itself is a big decision and the next step is not on a lot of young people’s minds. The concept of going to University needs to start much earlier”

The feedback from the young people was very positive, Lauren Elsdon from Carter Community College said: “Nobody else from my family has been to university and I’m the first one that is going. I asked a lot of questions and I think I changed my mind on university and boosted myself up”

Lauren’s mum, who also attended the day spoke highly of the programme: “I think it is absolutely brilliant because Lauren has her whole future planned out now and this has really helped her”.