Social Mobility Foundation Features Personal & Guidance Tutor in National Project

30 October 2015

Representatives from the Social Mobility Foundation visited the College to interview our Personal & Guidance Tutor, Chas Knight, as part of a national project featuring a variety of Colleges across the country.

The Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) is a charity which aims to make a practical improvement in order to provide Higher Education and Career opportunities and support for young people from low-income backgrounds.

Chas, works closely with the charity as part of his involvement with the College’s Honours Programme - a tailored academic programme of curriculum, enrichment and guidance that is designed to equip high-achieving students with the knowledge and support needed to progress to a leading UK university. The SMF chose to interview Chas due to the high number of students from the College that have been involved in projects run by the Foundation and Chas’s enthusiasm for the work they do.

Examples of students that have benefitted from the College’s Honours Programme and The Social Mobility Foundation include, Kirsty McLaren who is now studying in the USA after receiving support from the Foundation to gain a $200,000 grant for a Fulbright Commission Place at the prestigious St Olaf University in Minnesota; and more recently, student, Amy Cunningham who is currently studying Biology, History and Psychology at the college completed a work placement with the HM Treasury department in London over the Summer. The Social Mobility Foundation covered all travel and accommodation fees for the duration of Amy’s placement. Ten students currently studying at the College are also taking part in a scheme run by the Foundation called the Aspiring Professionals Programme and will each complete a work placement within their chosen profession as part of this scheme.

Chas commented, “The College is encouraging more and more students every year to apply for sought after programmes and placements and the support provided through the Social Mobility Foundation means all of our students are given the opportunity to fulfil their potential, no matter what their background might be. As a college we are committed to opening up these opportunities to our students and providing as much support as possible to help them to progress within their chosen career.”

The final video produced by the Social Mobility Foundation, featuring Chas and his interview, will be sent to all of the organisations and businesses that are involved with the SMF, across the UK as well as students that take part in any schemes run by the Foundation.