A new online hub has been launched to act as central portal where learners and parents can access free activities to help them progress to HE.
The newly launched Uni4Me website
We are committed to supporting disadvantaged pupils and those that have been disproportionately affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have increased our online provision to support learners, parents and teachers, offering subject specific support in addition to information, advice and guidance.
Staffordshire University is one of 50 higher education institutions whose online activities are included in the Uni4Me hub which was launched this week by the Minister of State for Universities, Michelle Donelan.
Staffordshire University Director for Student Recruitment and Admissions, Dr Alyssa Phillips, said: “Staffordshire University is delighted to be a partner organisation with Uni4Me. We are committed to supporting disadvantaged pupils and those that have been disproportionately affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have increased our online provision to support learners, parents and teachers, offering subject specific support in addition to information, advice and guidance. To further support learners at this challenging time we offer Confidence, Wellbeing and Resilience sessions along with information about University Life, Budgeting and Finance, Personal Statement tailored support and virtual tours.”
The Uni4Me site, led by the National Education Opportunities Network (NEON), also links through to Staffordshire University activities designed for primary school pupils - notably nature activity packs which encourage families to explore the natural world during lockdown.
Uni4Me will make a significant contribution to the work that the UK HE sector is doing to address disadvantage in the context of Covid-19. Research by NEON indicates that over 80% of HE providers do not expect to be able to work in schools before January 2021 due to the impact of Covid-19.
Launching the initiative Universities Minister, Michelle Donelan said: “This has been an incredibly challenging time for pupils and it has never been more important for the sector to give every pupil the information and support they need to choose the right pathways for them. That is why I am delighted to launch Uni4Me, a platform to help students with the talent and ability to access and succeed within our world-leading universities, regardless of their background.”
Participation in the Uni4Me hub will be tracked to enable schools, colleges and universities to ensure that those who most need it are benefiting from the resources on offer. The aim is to expand the activities on offer from Uni4Me over the next year and work with more partners from across educational sectors.