5 steps to ... getting poor children into higher education

Alexandra Coxon, Regeneration & Renewal, 16 May 2008

2. Get parents involved. If parents haven't had a higher education, it can skew their child's view about what is possible, says Julia Lucas, chair of the Regeneration Sector Development Group at employer and education body coalition the Greater Manchester Strategic Alliance. "Get parents involved in work-based learning," she says. "If you engage them in education, you can overcome the barriers they subconsciously put up for their children."

3. Provide educational mentors. Ask local undergraduates to volunteer at schools in deprived areas. "An undergraduate can help children think about which university or college might be best for them, and help them overcome their fears," says John May, chief executive of Career Academies UK, a charity that works with employers and education bodies to raise the aspirations of teenagers.

4. Engage with local employers. Get firms in to talk about the world of work and reinforce the importance of higher education. "Children need to see how success at work is integrated with education," says Libby Hammond, chief executive of charity Gift of the Gabs, which runs an education programme to boost children's communication skills.

5, Share case studies. Successful local people can help inspire children who might not otherwise believe higher education is right for them. "Get them to share their stories about life and work, and their aspirations," says Eccles.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit www.gmsa.ac.uk; www. careeracademies.org.uk; www.giftofthegabs.com. Email: m.eccles@mmu.ac.uk.