YOUNG people from deprived areas of Leeds have been enjoying our state-of-the-art learning facilities as part of a joint venture with the IntoUniversity charity.
The group of 21 youngsters are sampling life on all three campuses at Edinburgh Napier after heading north for a three-day visit under the Extending Horizons programme.
The university is firmly committed to widening access to higher education. As part of this commitment, we have teamed up with IntoUniversity, who provide a programme of support which helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their full potential by gaining a university place or fulfilling other ambitions.
The youngsters, aged 12-14, arrived in Edinburgh on Tuesday (23 Aug) and spent the afternoon at Merchiston, where they enjoyed a tour of the music facilities and cast an eye over the industry-standard broadcasting equipment in our journalism suite. They were also able to learn about 3D printing and robotics.
Representatives of ENSA gave the group an insight into the various clubs and societies which enrich our students’ university experience.
The young people also enjoyed visits to the Clinical Skills Centre and sports and exercise science facilities at Sighthill, and delivered presentations based on business-focused group activities at the Lindsay Stewart Lecture Theatre in Craiglockhart.
They are due to round off their visit with a picnic at Edinburgh Zoo.
Sandra Cairncross, Assistant Principal Student Experience at Edinburgh Napier, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work with IntoUniversity to give this group of young people a taste of university life.
“Such opportunities have an important role to play in raising awareness and aspirations, helping to demonstrate that university education is something that people from all backgrounds can and should consider.”
Ellie Rowley, Leeds-based centre leader with IntoUniversity, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for our students to take part in, it allows them to see another university in a brand new city, an experience they might not be able to have if they weren’t part of the IntoUniversity programme. The students have been excited all term about this trip and the variety of activities provided by Edinburgh Napier.”