We’re delighted to share news of the latest, fantastic commitment by Higher Education institutions to Young Glasgow Talent’s young people. This pledge ensures our city’s most disadvantaged are fully informed of all available pathways to university.
Going to university can be a challenging prospect, particularly for those facing significant difficulties. Over 65 YGT mentors and HE professionals gathered at Strathclyde University to address our Young Peoples’ academic needs. Cross institutional information, the many support programmes available and numerous additional resources were brought together to focus on YP requirements.
Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow School of Art, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, the University of the West of Scotland and Focus West all presented. A fantastic number of MCR Pathways mentors also attended this first of its kind YGT event. Their strong relationships will vitally ensure each institutions’ opportunities will be communicated to every young person on a one to one basis. This information otherwise would not reach our deprived, but extremely deserving, people. Mentors will inspire and inform our youngsters along the best Higher Education journey to achieve their aspirations.
Rachel Hyslop from Glasgow Caledonian University, emphasised the significance of presenting to our mentors: “It was important for our institution to get involved in today’s event. It’s crucial to spread the word about the support we can offer care experienced young people! We hope that by working together, more young people can make informed choices about their futures, as well as finding out about the support to help gain a place at university and succeed once there.
Rickie McNeill from the Glasgow School of Art also highlighted the benefits of their partnership with YGT:
“We have already seen some great results through MCR Pathways referring pupils to our programme. We are really keen to continue and extend this relationship. Today will hopefully further promote the idea that everyone with the potential to study and excel in a creative education has an equal chance to do so.”
The event began with an overview of the application process, scholarships and the programmes currently being delivered in YGT’s secondary schools. Each institution highlighted all articulation routes available to Glasgow’s young people. Pathways to university include via college, with adjusted grades and with additional categories of support, depending on students’ situations. Event attendees also chose two workshops specific to their young person’s aspirations.
Each institution cemented their commitment to ensure wider access for our young people. A University’s admissions criteria and articulation routes vary and can change year to year. It can be difficult to understand and keep up with developments. By coming together for this event, the city’s Universities have ensured the maximum understanding of what is available. This is a fundamental element of YGT’s drive to help young people to find, grow and use their talents.
Those YGT mentors attending found it absolutely invaluable. Kerr Armstrong, a mentor to a young person at Springburn Academy said “It shows commitment and reassures me that all our institutions understand the importance of supporting disadvantaged but talented young people into Higher Education. The early links they provide from S3 (campus tours, summer workshops, knowing who the named person is at each institution) will bring value to the young person I mentor. The benefits of today’s event meeting fellow mentors. Listening to good news stories and case studies .”
Thanks to further support by the institutions, Young Glasgow Talent has produced a comprehensive guide detailing every higher educational opportunity available within each of YGT’s schools. All of this has provided the foundation to improve aspirations and post school destinations.
Additional support for our young people is also in place. There is now a forum for representatives of the 6 universities and a calendar of outreach activities in place. Plans for the next few months include S2 visits to Glasgow Caledonian University, S3 Summer Experience at Strathclyde and S4-S6 participation in the SAS Accelerate programme.
We would like to say a massive THANK YOU to all of the institutions that supported this event. It ensures Higher Educational access to young people that simply otherwise would not have been reached. A huge thanks also to all mentors that attended. Through learning about all of the opportunities available, you will realise many aspirations and will bring a new focus to our young peoples’ school studies.
GET INVOLVED!
We have many more young people signing up for Young Glasgow Talent’s help. They need mentors to make a huge difference to their confidence, educational outcomes and future life chances. Can you help them? Find out more about becoming a mentor.
We’re always looking for new mentors to reach all the new young people who are coming on board with the programme. Help us spread the word by letting your friends and family know how worthwhile mentoring can be!
