New programme launches to help more young people in South Yorkshire access higher education
A new initiative has launched to help young people in South Yorkshire most at risk of not progressing on to higher education. Building on the work of the existing Higher Education Progression Partnership (Hepp), the Hepp South Yorkshire plus (HeppSY+) programme is a partnership of both Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield, working with seven colleges of further education across the region.
HeppSY+ is part of a national outreach programme funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), with a remit to work with young people from Year 9 who live in 45 target wards designated by HEFCE. The evidence shows that higher education participation of young people in these areas is both low and much lower than expected based on GCSE-level attainment.
Nicola Rawlins, Director of Admissions and UK Student Recruitment, Sheffield Hallam University, the lead partner for the HeppSY+ programme, said, “HeppSY+ is important because it has clearly identified the challenge that exists in South Yorkshire and the effort that is required to improve progression rates to higher education.”
The programme aims to double the number of young people accessing higher education from the target wards by 2020. Particular areas of focus are black and minority ethnic groups and under-representation by young men.
HeppSY+ programme activity will span three academic years from September 2017 to summer 2020 (subject to review in 2018). Mike Garnock-Jones, Hepp Director, said, “We will be working with a wide range of education and community partners to build on existing successful initiatives, providing fresh resource for expanding existing activity and fostering innovation.”
For more information, please the HeppSY+ website or get in touch.
