Young women’s achievements recognised in event at the House of Lords

Penny Appeal has partnered with the Baroness Warsi Foundation to implement the Social Mobility Project, an initiative designed to create inclusive societies and address a deep-rooted social mobility problem in the UK. The programme culminated in a leadership event, hosted at the House of Lords, which recognised the achievements of a cohort of young women.

The programme posits that, there is an “entrenched and unbroken correlation between social class and educational success”, and that a broadening of the income gap within the social class structure is a direct symptom of this situation. To address this problem, the Social Mobility Programme looks to give exceptional young people the tools and knowledge to advance their professional development, and eventually, allow them to access top universities and professions.

As the final element of this programme, the cohort of young women are presented with certificates to recognise their achievements. The event, that took place on the 4^th July, included speeches from Baroness Warsi, Chair of the Foundation - and from Amer Naeem, Penny Appeal’s CEO. Along with the speeches, and elegant surroundings of the House of Lords a luncheon was provided for the students.

To be eligible for the programme students must be aged between 16 and 17, have achieved 5 ‘A’ grades at GCSE and be predicted to attain at least AAB at A-Level. Students must also be eligible for Free School Meals - or be the ?rst generation in their family to attend university having attended a school where at least 20% pupils are eligible for Free School Meals.

As part of the programme, students will undertake a comprehensive one-year course, which focuses on personal, academic and professional development. Four elements make up this course; mentoring, in which students will have access to a professional mentor who works in the student’s chosen field. University application support, whereby students will be provided with practical support with all aspects of the application process. Professional Development, where practical support to build the student’s confidence will be provided. Finally, an internship /residential programme, in which a placement in one of London’s leading firms will be secured.

This year’s programme concluded with the presentations at the House of Lords Leadership Event on the 4^th of July. As a testament to the effectiveness of the Social Mobility Programme, over 95% of the participants feel they would not have been able to achieve such a placement without the programme.