Widening participation
Widening participation is a long-term process of social and cultural change, and the key issue for the higher education sector is attracting people with no background of study in higher education to courses and universities that will meet their needs and interests, and help them achieve their maximum potential.
Southampton Solent University believes that all who stand to benefit from higher education should be encouraged to do so, whatever their social background. We work in partnership with schools, other higher education institutions, Connexions, the Learning and Skills Council, further education colleges and the voluntary and community sector to raise aspirations and attainment with a view to increasing the numbers of people from under-represented groups attending and succeeding at university. School children from such backgrounds, and their parents are also alerted at an early stage to the lifelong benefits of higher education.
Steve Lake, Head of Recruitment, Access and Partnerships (RAP), says:
"Widening participation is a term that tends to confuse. It is all about giving people a sense of what higher education is really like - and the manner in which it has become open to all sectors of society. The key is to get people to think 'I could do that', and give them the guidance they need to make it happen."
The RAP team is keen to develop links and explore collaborative opportunities with local community organisations and groups throughout Southampton and the immediate surrounding areas. If you have a project you would like the Widening Participation team to be involved in, please email wpteam@solent.ac.uk| or contact:
Steve Lake, Head of Recruitment, Access and Partnerships
Telephone: 023 8031 9436
Email: Stephen.Lake@solent.ac.uk|
Geeta Uppal, Community and Adult Learning Co-ordinator
Telephone: 023 8031 9836
Email: Geeta.Uppal@solent.ac.uk|