upReach
upReach works in close partnership with employers and universities to improve social mobility by creating the conditions for undergraduates from less advantaged backgrounds to access and sustain top graduate jobs. Our vision is of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential, regardless of their background.
In October 2019, upReach won the Charity of the Year Award at the 2019 Charity Times Awards, in the under £1m income category. The Award was in recognition of a tremendous year that included growing the impact we are having boosting social mobility, launching the Student Social Mobility Awards, our successful Future Charity Leaders Programme, and sector-leading technology.
Socio-economic disadvantage continues to be the most significant driver of inequality in terms of access to and outcomes from higher education, and we take a ‘double benefit’ approach to address the social mobility challenge. We help young people achieve their career potential by providing an intensive programme of support that addresses socio-economic barriers to employment.
We also work to influence the hiring behaviours of top organisations so that a commitment to equal opportunity permeates their organisational culture and they recognise the social and economic value of greater diversity within their workforce.
To get involved, visit our website.
The Social Mobility Commission
The SMC monitors progress towards improving social mobility in the UK, and promotes social mobility in England. For example, it publishes an annual report setting out its views on the progress made towards improving social mobility in the United Kingdom, and it challenges employers, the professions, universities and schools to play their part in promoting social mobility.
Rachael Millar, Head of the Social Mobility Commission Secretariat, made the following comment about the Student Social Mobility Awards: “Social mobility means that your background does not determine your future. These awards recognise that some young people have to overcome more barriers than others to succeed, and that this success is all the more impressive. The role of mentors and initiatives that support people is crucial – and we hope these expand so that everyone has the chance to realise their potential. We hope these individuals go on to transform the places they work, mentor young people in future, and open up opportunities to others so that everyone has the chance to realise their potential.”
To find out more about the SMC, visit their website.
Press
Blackpool Sixth: Former student offers chance to meet Michelle Obama
A former Blackpool Sixth student is offering the opportunity for a current student at the college to take part in an event hosted by Michelle Obama. Sophie Tew, now in her first year studying English and Social Policy at Leeds University,has had a busy year not just with her studies, but also excelling in work […]
The Voice: Kingston Student Wins Big
Despite being a young single mother and dealing with her mother’s serious illness from the age of 12, Rochelle Watson has defied the odds and has been honoured with a prestigious award. A SOCIAL work student from Kingston University and St George’s, University of London, has won a national social mobility award for her voluntary […]
The Leeds Tab: Meet Sophie Tew, the Leeds fresher invited to the House of Lords as one of the ten best students in the country
Sophie Tew, a Leeds first-year English and Social Policy student, has spent her year not just succeeding academically, but excelling. So much so Sophie was shortlisted for the acclaimed upReach Ten Award, which is in recognition of her outstanding work promoting female empowerment in the city and even involved a visit to The House of […]
St Peter’s College, University of Oxford: SPC student Desmond Asante honoured at diversity awards ceremony
Towards the end of last year, St Peter’s student, Desmond Asante (Mathematics and Statistics, 2017), was honoured with an award as Champion for Social Mobility at the inaugural Student Social Mobility Awards ceremony, organised by the charity upReach. Read more