First-Generation Scholars Scheme University of Sussex and Widening Participation Chris Derbyshire

Widening Participation  Government agenda  Some groups are under-represented at university  University is for anybody with ability  This college has students with ability  This college see the benefits of working with us!

University is an increasingly important consideration.

Benefits of going to university:  Employment opportunities  Broaden your horizons  Specific qualifications  Personal development  Move away from home  Study a subject you enjoy  Have fun!

Perceived barriers to going to university:  Finance  Attainment  Ethnicity/ disability/ white working class etc  Knowledge/experience  Values  Confidence  Fear  There is nothing I want to study there  Move away from home

First-Generation Scholars Scheme Compact Plus

Employment and earnings

Future employment landscape Healthcare Life sciences Advanced engineering Construction Digital and creative industries Retail Professional business services Space industry Tourism Green economy These emerging employment sectors have all been highlighted by the government as key areas for economic growth. (The Plan for Growth: HM Treasury, BIS March 2011) These sectors are going to require/demand employees with degree qualifications.

First degree graduates from all subjects 2014 (UoS)

Increasing importance on qualification…  673,040 applications to university  511,730 successfully  40,000 in Sussex  22% of employment pays less than the livable wage

What do we offer; In school and college?  Talks to students, staff, parents  Careers evenings  Transition events  Finance talks  UCAS & personal statement support

What do we offer; At University of Sussex?  Campus visits  Subject tasters  Sussex Study Experience  Summer Schools  Extensive range of subject tasters  Additional support for care-leavers 

Case study;  Lauren  Shoreham Academy  Yr8 introduction  Yr9 Talks  Yr9&10 subject tasters  Undergraduate  Student ambassador  Internship  Full time employee

Case study;  Sophie  F-GSS student, student ambassador  MA in International Politics  Aaron  Maths – tutoring ambassador  Teach First  Charlenne  Residential advisor/ student ambassador  Laura  Student ambassador, Wates bursary  Clinical Pyschology

Outcomes? Awareness, aspiration, attainment, access More informed choices Better advised progression routes Better adult transitions Greater awareness of long-term options

Student life

Student Finance  Tuition loan; fees do not need to be paid up front (£9,000 per year)  Maintenance loan; £6,094 (home), £8,200 (away from home), £10,702 (London), Year abroad £9,391  Repay after graduation, once you earn over £21,000  Bursaries, scholarships, cash awards – free money! F-GSS, sports bursaries, academic ability, care leavers awards, alumni, ( The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust: Applicants should normally be resident in the United Kingdom and be the son or daughter, spouse, widow or widower of a commercial traveller, chemist, or grocer) The Sussex Excellence Scholarship is worth £3,000 These do not have to be paid back!

First-Generation Scholars Scheme Upon entry to University of Sussex:  Funding for every student whose family income is less than £42,875  £5,000 financial support package across 3 years:  £2,000 rent or tuition fee reduction and £1,000 per year of study  Work-study programme and funded placements  Three years graduate career aftercare

University impact  Transferable skills  A degree will last for life no matter what you choose to do with it.  Meeting new people, networking, building confidence  Work experience  Life opportunities, experience, and fond memories  Employability skills and guidance

Useful links:

Thank you very much! If you have any questions, please come and chat to us!