University of Warwick backs new initiative to get Coventry’s young learners IntoUniversity
The University of Warwick has teamed up with national educational charity IntoUniversity to launch a new project aimed at raising aspirations and improving educational outcomes for children and young people in Coventry.
Warwick Vice-Chancellor Stuart Croft (pictured, right) attended the launch of the new partnership, which took place on Tuesday 12 March.
The IntoUniversity Coventry centre, based in the Hillfields area of the city, will be run by national education charity IntoUniversity in partnership with the University. The new centre is backed by philanthropic support from Warwick alumni and The Michael Marsh Charitable Trust.
Building on existing outreach programmes the centre will work with up to 1,000 children and young people each year, to help them make the best of their talents and improve their chances of gaining a university place.
Paul Blagburn, Head of Widening Participation and Outreach at The University of Warwick, said: “The University of Warwick is immensely excited about our new partnership with IntoUniversity and the opening of our Centre in Coventry.
"It will create a lasting legacy that will provide unique opportunities for thousands of young people in the city to fulfil their potential. The University is committed to ongoing fundraising for this important community resource.
"This is part of a range of developments the University is leading to support educational progression in the region.”
This new partnership strengthens the University’s range of programmes and projects designed to help people from under-represented groups in higher education to realise their potential and make informed decisions about their future, enhancing access to higher education for all those who aspire to study at university, regardless of background.
Studies have shown that early intervention is crucial in supporting students into higher education. IntoUniversity centres start working with children as young as 7 to sow the seeds of aspiration. Based in the heart of the community, they provide local young people with the support they need to ensure the best chance of attaining a university place in the future.
The Coventry centre, based in the St Peter’s Centre on Charles Street, is already working with three primary schools, two secondary schools and a Sixth Form college in the area. Over one hundred students have signed up to receive after-school support, access to university-student mentors, workshops and insight into university life.
Dr Rachel Carr OBE, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of IntoUniversity, said, “This is a really exciting moment for IntoUniversity. The Coventry centre is our 30th centre or extension project! We are delighted to celebrate this milestone with the official launch of IntoUniversity Coventry, which is already having a fantastic impact in the local community.”
13 March 2019