A new centre aimed at raising aspirations and breaking down barriers to higher education among young people in Grimsby has been launched.
The IntoUniversity Grimsby Centre is a partnership between the Universities of Hull and York and education charity IntoUniversity.
It will provide academic support and mentoring to young people in the town and surrounding areas including after-school academic support, mentoring with local university students and professionals, in-school aspiration-raising workshops and enrichment and work experience opportunities.
Yesterday’s launch event saw primary school pupils sampling some of the activities that will now be available to them through after-school academic support sessions.
Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull spent time at the launch answering questions from secondary school pupils as part of a panel of education experts.
Only 14 per cent of young people from Grimsby enter higher education, compared with 44 per cent of students nationally.
Dr Rachel Carr, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of IntoUniversity, said:
“This new centre is a fantastic addition to our existing work in Yorkshire and the Humber, and we’re delighted to be expanding our partnership with the Universities of Hull and York to support more young people in this part of the country.”
The centre builds on the success of the Hull IntoUniversity centre, which opened in 2022, and a Bridlington centre which opened in February this year.
It is backed by the support of philanthropic donors and sponsors Northeast Lincolnshire Council, myenergi and Hesslewood Children’s Trust.