Early June we saw the launch of the first Aimhigher week; a week of events and celebration to applaud the excellent partnership working that has been encouraging young people to progress to university and pursue higher education in its broadest sense.
David Lammy Minister for Higher Education and Innovation in the newly formed Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS; formerly DIUS) applauded the achievements of Aimhigher when he said, “You take the credit for that. You’re the people who are turning the aspiration that underpins Aimhigher into fact. I know from my own experience what good your work is doing, what barriers it’s breaking down, and what transformations in young people’s lives and life-chances it’s bringing about. And that’s why I feel qualified to say a heartfelt thanks to you on their behalf today”
(D.Lammy 9thJune 2009).
The Minister took the opportunity to launch the National Aimhigher Associates scheme; an enhanced mentoring scheme using likeminded university undergraduates to discuss progression opportunities with young from similar backgrounds. Every so often, an idea is launched and it succeeds beyond the wildest dreams. This is what has happened with. Last year, John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, announced a new Aimhigher Associates scheme and launched a pathfinder phase. This has proved to be a huge success. Associates help pupils from Key Stage 4 through educational transitions and with the UCAS university application process, offering personal experience that can encourage young people to make the most of their talents.
Aimhigher’s efforts to raise the aspirations of young people towards university are working. Over 50 per cent of young people from all social backgrounds now aspire to university and applications for entry in 2009 are at record levels. In the current economic climate it is vital that we keep up this momentum so that young people have the skills and qualifications to take advantage of the opportunities that will open up as world economies recover.
In Northamptonshire Aimhigher proposing to recruit 65 associates to work with students who will benefit from raised aspiration and confidence to make the step change and go to university. Aimhigher is working closely with the local authority to ensure that maximum benefit is achieved from their varied activities and the new Associates Programme.
Tel 01604 893311
Posted : 29th June 2009
