Uni Genius (16+)

Open to College and Sixth Form Centres

We see the student experience not only as the pursuit of good exam results but the gaining of invaluable cultural, knowledge and social capital which is vital for the student to gain entrance and remain at our elite institutions. The data shows that students from disadvantaged social backgrounds or certain schools find it difficult to access Russell Group Universities. The reasons are many and complex, some to do with aspiration and others to do with preparation and knowledge.

We have worked for many years in the area of winning access for students from some of our most deprived backgrounds into top Universities. It means that we are best placed to serve schools and Colleges, who have high expectations of their students irrespective of their backgrounds.

The Uni Genius experience includes the following:

• Large-scale and small-scale speaking events, both for information and inspiration. Speakers will include Uni Genius graduates who are now attending the top universities.
• University profile preparation providing ‘Recognition’ activities where talent can be displayed and rewarded. This is invaluable for interviews and UCAS personal statements.
• Students will be able to join an on-line community – where they can access information, courses and share experiences..
• Talent assessment as part of a university preparation programme which includes tracking into a Russell Group pathway
• University links which includes visits, meeting students from different backgrounds.
• Industry links to validate how a degree can enhance career prospects, as well as provide the possibility of internships and quality work experience.

THE PROGRAMME DETAILS

Purpose

To maximise the chances of A/S -level students attending high quality universities and courses.

Eligibility

Uni Genius – A/S-level students of all disciplines and backgrounds this includes both boys and girls.

Service

The personalised service allows students to understand exactly how they can tailor their specific situation to maximise their chances of attending a highly regarded university and course. The personalised service includes the following:

• Auditorium Talks:  one per term:  from former Generating Genius students now at Russell Group Universities,  motivational talk on aspiring higher and a talk from a University admissions tutor.
• University Profile Preparation: supporting students to choose the right A’ levels and degree programme.
• University Links – visits to Oxbridge and Russell group universities.
• Industry Links (top internships) – a week in top company including the likes of Google and Shell.
• University Application Preparation and Survival Guide – How do I make it through?
• Q&A Website – Ask questions and connect directly with our Uni Genius team (e.g. remote mentor service, FAQ, case studies). Use our blog facility and join our Uni-genius web community.

E – mentoring

• Match Uni Genius graduates with participants via the online portal, enabling them to have 1:1 and group conversations
• Use our in-built survey tool to aid the evaluation of the programme
• Develop activities about UCAS applications which mentors and mentees can work through together
• Enable mentors to run through an online mentor training programme and gain a certificate upon completion
• Offer industry expert ‘spot mentors’ for project participants
• Make use of the online resource library – over 1200 resource articles about careers, education and university life, to support the mentoring
• Continue the online support for mentees once they get to university, in a cost-effective way

Wider Benefits

• Pastoral and Careers staff can use our resource for their general work
• College profile enhanced by more students attending Russell group Universities
• Students are enriched by a wider exposure both University and industry
• Students more confident to apply to Universities outside of their comfort zone

The aim of the programme is to ensure that we get at least 90 per cent of these students into a Russell group University. Once they get to University they continue to be members of Uni-genius, joining our support network and the opportunity to become mentors for the next generation of college, students.