NEON Widening Access Initiative (Outreach) Award – Commendation
One of the University of York’s flagship Widening Participation programmes which started in 2012, Shine is aimed at high achieving pupils in Years 6–11 from groups that are under‑represented at university. A progressive, aspiration raising programme, which works in partnership with targeted primary and secondary schools across Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East. It aims to inspire, motivate and encourage pupils to achieve academic success and raise their aspirations towards higher education. In 2016–17 Shine delivered over 100 events, supporting 2,379 pupils to reach their full potential, as well as working with 483 parents.
Shine helps to increase pupils’ knowledge and awareness of higher education and covers student finance, budgeting, academic subjects, teaching methods, different types of universities, accommodation options, student life, routes into higher education, career progression and study & revision skills. Through taking part in Shine, pupils have reported a significant increase in motivation towards their school work and also feel more confident about applying to university.