The Programme
Our Future Scholars programme aims to support Year 12 and 13 students from Black African Caribbean backgrounds as they transition to university.
The programme is a Leading Routes initiative and is now in its fifth cohort. Leading Routes is a social enterprise with a mission to prepare the next generation of Black academics. Their work focuses on strengthening the academic pipeline for Black students, from a Black-led perspective.
You’ll receive support from our team of professionals, academics and students as well as your fellow Future Scholars. Most importantly, we’re offering you continued access to an ambitious and encouraging network once you start university!
It was very reassuring to be introduced to my mentor Ian, who was also studying a similar Engineering course. From our first Zoom meeting, (and every one fortnightly onwards), the sessions became a safe haven for me to talk about everything and anything that I was experiencing at university. So, my sessions at Future Scholars became a space where – yes, I learnt about revision techniques (discovering the Pomodoro method was a lifesaver!). But also, I learnt to navigate the new found world of accommodation halls, balancing my social activities with my studies, and how not to be drowned by the overwhelming weight of it all. ~ Aretha, Mentee 2020
Applications are currently open for the Year 13 programme.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
The programme includes:
• Information and guidance sessions on the university application process (UCAS), choices and transition
• Personal statement workshops and feedback
• Personal and career development activities
• Academic and study skills sessions
• Advice from our supportive network of staff, professionals and students from a range of fields
To apply, you must be:
• From a Black or Mixed African or Caribbean background
• Currently in Year 13 and preparing to apply to university
• Able to attend the duration of the programme including online and in-person events
• Excited to be part of a community of Black scholars and academics
To apply, please complete this application form by 5pm on Friday 29 November.
Applications are currently open for mentees, deadline Friday 6 December 2024.
As part of the Future Scholars programme, we offer mentoring to support students from Black African and Caribbean backgrounds as they transition into university life.
The programme matches new university students with current students from universities across the UK who act as mentors, providing guidance, advice, and a supportive connection as they navigate this pivotal stage of their academic journey.
Beyond mentoring, mentees also gain access to a variety of enriching events and opportunities that support their academic growth, introduce them to the research environment and provide networking opportunities throughout their time at university.
The mentoring sessions, running from January to March 2024, are structured in small group settings with up to five mentees per mentor, and each group is matched as closely as possible by subject or field of study. Sessions are held online every two weeks, making it convenient for students to participate regardless of their location. Through this programme structure, mentees benefit from the shared experiences of their peers and mentors across the UK without overwhelming their schedules.
What to Expect as a Mentee
This programme is an opportunity to build a strong, inclusive university community. Whether you’re starting university or looking to support others in their journey, we look forward to welcoming you into the Future Scholars Mentoring Programme!