Associates Scheme

Welcome to Aimhigher Associates! The Associates Scheme is a National mentoring project which provides support and guidance to 14 to 19 year olds. The scheme employs undergraduate students called “Associates” to work with targeted learners individually or in small groups.  Learners are selected because they have the potential to do well academically but are at risk of under achieving. This might be because they come from social backgrounds where education to degree level is uncommon or seen as unachievable. There is strong evidence that contact with current university students helps to break down these barriers.

 

Aimhigher Associates work in schools and colleges across Essex acting as resourceful role models. They provide their learners with support and encouragement, helping them to recognise that progression to higher education is an achievable goal.

The Associates Scheme is embedded in the Aimhigher programme and is funded by the higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Essex participated in the pilot phase during 2008-9 and will be continuing the scheme until at least Spring 2011.

Aims

The aims of the scheme are to help learners to:

• Raise their aspirations
• Raise their standards of performance
• Increase their awareness of the opportunities offered by higher education
• Develop and improve their self-esteem, motivation and confidence
• Understand the process of applying to higher education should they wish to do so