First Generation programme wins top Times Higher Education award

A Manchester Met programme to support students who are the first generation in their family to go to university has been recognised with a prestigious Times Higher Education award.

The First Generation Scholarship Programme offers a complete journey of support for young people from Greater Manchester whose parents have no direct experience of higher education.

It gives practical support and application guidance to students in Year 12 and 13 to help them access and then transition to university.

For those who progress through the programme onto a full-time undergraduate degree at Manchester Met, there is financial support and continued personal and professional support throughout their studies. The programme is financially supported by the University and through the generosity of donors.

Judges at the Times Higher Education awards – one of the higher education sector’s leading awards – gave the Widening Participation and Outreach Initiative of the Year prize last night to the University (November 25).

Professor Malcolm Press, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “The First Generation programme builds on our nearly 200-year history of education that transforms lives, to the benefit of individuals, communities and the wider economy.

“I am absolutely delighted that the THE Awards has recognised the huge achievements of the programme, which are the result of our First Generation scholars’ commitment combined with our donors’ generosity.”

In addition to providing a support network, mentorship and connections, the programme aims to give students the self-belief to know that university is a place where they will be accepted, thrive and find the confidence to follow their ambitions.

The provision of guidance, role models and professional opportunities outside the wider curriculum through this type of experience helps to level the playing field for the students.

The result is a programme that breaks down barriers before, during and after university.

Now in its fourth year, there are almost 300 students on the pre-entry phase of the programme, and a similar number of students on the course at Manchester Met, with the first cohort of students having finished their studies and due to attend their graduation ceremony in January. The aim is to transform 1,000 lives through the programme by 2025.

The First Generation programme successfully attracts those from the most under-represented and deprived groups. In 2020, 76% of students progressing to Manchester Met on the programme were from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, and 86% were from some of the most deprived areas of England. More than 90% of the students progressed from first year onto their second year, which is more than all comparable groups.

Helen Lord, Recruitment and Widening Participation Manager at the University, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award, which is the culmination of several years’ hard work by colleagues from across the University.

“We really believe in the work we’re doing through the First Generation Programme, and see first-hand the positive impact it has on the students who take part. It’s a real pleasure to watch the students flourish and grow, from college and into university – and now into life after graduation.”