Published at 15:53, Wednesday, 09 February 2011

A NATIONWIDE initiative to encourage students from under-represented groups to apply to university is to close its West Cumbrian base this summer.

Aimhigher will be withdrawing its service, based at Lakes College, due to the national closure of the scheme in July, following government spending cuts.

Aimhigher has been based in the college for over seven years and worked with the staff and tutors to promote university education to the students throughout this time.

It has been involved in organising and funding activities for the college students to prepare them for university life, including team-building days, university visits, workshops and career fayres.

As well as promoting university education, Aimhigher also worked with the Lakes College school provisions team to introduce the college to both secondary and primary school children.

As part of this programme, the staff arrange for secondary school students to take part in taster events at the college.

Sue Donnelly, from Aimhigher, said: “It’s a loss for both the young people of the community and the economy, the initiative has been a real benefit to the schools and the college.”

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk