BBC News Highlights Our Achievements
With the recent commentary on student dropout rates reaching their highest recorded level[1], it seems timely that BBC News featured our founder’s experience of nearly dropping out themselves and what FirstGens is doing to address this prevalent issue, which disproportionately affects people from underserved, low-income and marginalised communities [2].
FirstGens first press release landed in the hands of BBC News and shed light on our journey as a social enterprise making a positive impact on the lives of students from less advantaged backgrounds who are in the first generation of family members to pursue university.
"I would like to express my appreciation to BBC News for featuring the impactful work being undertaken at FirstGens. Our efforts have demonstrably contributed to reducing dropout rates and we are now supporting students from a cross 27 UK universities." - Founder, Alaya Holloway
BBC News recognised our Founder’s bestowment of the Diana Award for FirstGens. Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, The Diana Award is the most prestigious accolade a young person aged 9-25 years can receive for their social action or humanitarian work.
The Duke of Sussex, says: “Each of us has the ability to help create a more equitable world and the brilliant award recipients we’re honouring today are proof of that. They exemplify the notion that when we use our voices, change really can happen.”
Our recent pilot demonstrates transformational impact and testimonials showcase how FirstGens have positively changed the trajectories for so many young people, with students saying our early interventions prevented them from dropping out in term 1.
“University didn't appear to be a place for people from my background. I felt like a fish out water. During my first term at university, I debated between dropping out of university or deferring. First Gens gave me the support I needed to get back on track and feel confident about staying on my course. FirstGens gave me a place to breath, be myself and learn how to navigate a new environment." - Mia Hepburn, Graphic Design Student.
Equality Beyond Access
We envision a future whereby every young person can not only access university, but can progress on course - to thrive and not just survive. Our mission is to close the national progression gaps we see across access, retention, attainment and outcomes.
Everyone young person should be able to harness the power of higher education, should they wish to do so, and this should be irrespective of socioeconomic background.
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-66940041
[2] https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/news/first-in-family-university-students-need-more-guidance-navigating-education-system