Lancaster University has been shortlisted for the "University of the Year" award in the upcoming UpReach Student Social Mobility Awards. This recognition highlights the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. The result will be announced at the awards ceremony which takes place at Mansion House on Thursday 18th July.

A Commitment to Social Mobility

Being shortlisted in the "University of the Year" category highlights Lancaster University's innovative and impactful initiatives aimed at levelling the playing field for students from underrepresented backgrounds through our widening participation projects.

Our Widening Participation provision aims to ensure that the higher education sector is an open and inclusive environment, representative of the society we live in. Here at Lancaster University, we believe in:

• Presenting all individuals, regardless of background, with the opportunity to access and succeed in higher education and beyond;
• Supporting under-represented groups to enter higher education; and
• Supporting students currently studying at university to succeed in their studies and progress onto graduate employment or further study.

There are a number of widening participation projects here at Lancaster University including GROW Your Future and the Lancaster Success Programme which are central to Lancaster University being nominated for this award.

GROW Your Future

Central to Lancaster University's nomination is the GROW Your Future scheme, offering students the opportunity to take part in activities that support the development of key employability skills, professional networks and confidence to compete effectively in the graduate labour market.

GROW Your Future is an opt-in scheme for UK undergraduates and postgraduate taught students who also meet any widening participation criteria. This scheme has been instrumental in supporting students who often face significant barriers to higher education. The GROW Your Future project offers a comprehensive suite of support services designed to empower these students and ensure they have access to the same opportunities as their peers.

Being part of the GROW Your Future community gives students access to a range of activities and benefits, learn more here - https://portal.lancaster.ac.uk/ask/grow-your-future/

The Lancaster Success Programme

The Lancaster Success Programme (LSP) provides a welcoming and inclusive environment, where students are encouraged to develop their self-awareness and to explore and celebrate their individual versions of success through a programme of coaching-led opportunities.

The LSP works with students from backgrounds which are underrepresented at university (known as widening participation) to help them get the most out of their university experience.

Learn more about the LSP here - https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/widening-participation/lancaster-success-programme/#d.en.564874

Our Dedication to Creating an Inclusive Environment

The nomination for the Widening Participation University of the Year Award at the Student Social Mobility Awards is a testament to Lancaster University's dedication to widening participation and creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

The recognition by upReach affirms Lancaster University's position as a leader in widening participation and social mobility. Regardless of the outcome on 18^th July, the nomination itself is a significant achievement and a celebration of the impactful work being done to support students from all backgrounds.