Universities of York and Hull Launch New Centres to Support Disadvantaged Youth in Grimsby and Bridlington

Universities of York and Hull Launch New Centres to Support Disadvantaged Youth in Grimsby and Bridlington

(IN BRIEF) A collaboration between the universities of York and Hull, along with the university-access charity IntoUniversity, is launching two new education centres in Grimsby and Bridlington. These centres aim to support disadvantaged young people aged 7-18, who are often underrepresented in higher education, by offering academic assistance, workshops, mentoring, and career guidance. Building on the success of the Hull centre, these new hubs will help bridge the gap in educational outcomes, particularly in areas where child poverty rates are high. The centres are supported by university funding, philanthropy, and corporate donors, and they will work closely with local schools to foster academic success and inspire students to pursue higher education.

(PRESS RELEASE) YORK, 17-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A partnership between the University of York, the University of Hull, and the educational charity IntoUniversity is set to open two new learning centres in Grimsby and Bridlington. These centres are designed to provide vital educational support to disadvantaged young people aged 7-18, who are typically underrepresented in higher education. Building on the success of a similar centre opened in Hull in 2022, this initiative aims to empower local youth by offering academic support, mentoring, workshops, and guidance on future careers and education pathways.

Located in key community spaces, these centres will offer a range of programs that encourage young people to achieve their full potential. The Bridlington centre, based in Christ Church’s Key Centre, and the Grimsby centre, located in the Neighbourhood Centre, will serve areas with significant child poverty rates, helping students overcome barriers to education. The centres are made possible through funding from the universities and additional support from philanthropists, foundations, and corporate donors, though fundraising efforts continue to ensure the project’s sustainability.

These centres will work closely with local schools and will benefit from ongoing collaborations with both universities. Over 1,000 local students per year are expected to receive support from each centre. By providing academic mentoring, workshops, and after-school programs, the centres will encourage students to improve their academic outcomes and open up pathways to higher education, with the ultimate goal of narrowing the educational attainment gap.

University of York Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery praised the partnership, emphasizing its role in reducing educational disparities and expanding access to university for young people across the region. Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of addressing inequality and promoting social justice through education. Dr. Rachel Carr, CEO and Co-Founder of IntoUniversity, expressed excitement about the potential impact on young people in these communities and the value of strong collaborations with local schools and families.

The centres will offer daily after-school academic support and run a mentoring program, connecting students with university students and professionals. IntoUniversity has a strong record of success, with 61% of students from its centres progressing to higher education, compared to just 28% of young people from similar backgrounds nationwide.

These new centres mark a significant step toward closing the gap in educational attainment for disadvantaged youth, aiming to inspire and equip them with the tools needed to succeed in their academic journeys and beyond.

Media Contact:

Shelley Hughes
Deputy Head of Media Relations (job share)
Tel: work+44 (0)1904 323918
shelley.hughes@york.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of York