News - Mentors Inspiring Hundreds to Aim Higher in the South West
A national scheme that aims to inspire and encourage young people to consider Higher Education has recruited nearly 100 associates in the South West.
The Aimhigher Peninsula Programme Associates Scheme is now partnering its associates from the likes of the University of Plymouth, Cornwall College and the University College Falmouth, with 14-19 year olds, so that they can offer them the benefit of their experience in making decisions about their education and career choices.
Currently 490 people of school or college age have been assisted by 98 associates, across five local authority regions. Olivia Craig, the Aimhigher Associates Coordinator for the Peninsula Programme, said: "The pilot phase of the Aimhigher Associates scheme has demonstrated how successful sustained relationships between undergraduates and school and college pupils can be, especially when these individuals are from similar backgrounds.
"Building on the success of the pathfinder phase, and lessons learnt, we have extended and enhanced the scheme, so that more young people have benefited from the insight and experience of our undergraduates."
The undergraduate associates have come from a number of Higher Education institutions and Further Education Colleges, including the University of Plymouth, University College Plymouth St. Mark and St. John, Plymouth College of Art, City College Plymouth, South Devon College, Cornwall College, and the University of Falmouth incorporating Dartington College of Arts.
University of Plymouth graduate Stephen-Lee Farmer, who is the Aimhigher Coordinator at St James School, Exeter, said: "The Aimhigher Associates scheme was a real eye opener for our students last year. We had 25 Year 10 students taking part, and working with their mentor they explored and discussed a range of topics relating to Higher Education.
"As a school we were so impressed by the scheme, we asked if we could continue. Now we have 20 year 10's working with four university mentors and 25 year 11's working with five university mentors. The students look forward to their meetings and are always asking me in the corridor, 'Sir, when is the next Aimhigher session?' When you get the students asking for sessions, you know something positive is happening."
A group of Stephen-Lee Farmer's students will be giving a presentation on their experience of mentoring at the national Annual Conference of the Aimhigher Associates Scheme at the Queen's Hotel, Cheltenham from 18 to 19 May 2010.
David Lammy, Minister of State for Higher Education, said: "University is a life changing experience for many people, and it remains the case that a degree can add over £100,000 to a person's lifetime earnings.
"It's no surprise then that over half of young people from all social groups aspire to go into higher education, and we are committed to making this a reality for those with the talent to succeed at university. University should be open to all, regardless of background, and we must make sure people know from a young age how they can prepare and apply for a place."