At In2scienceUK we aim to tackle the issue of limited diversity and inequality that exists within the STEM sector today. The demographics of our 2020 Virtual Summer Programme indicate that we are supporting those most in need of opportunities and helping them to progress to exciting STEM careers. We are therefore very excited that with support from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, we are launching the In2scienceUK Alumni Community programme to bridge the gap between higher education and employment.
In2scienceUK’s Alumni Community Programme
This programme aims to support our alumni in the following ways to empower them to make informed decisions about their future.
Let’s delve into a few of the key reasons why we will continue to provide support to our young people throughout their careers in STEM.
Social Mobility, Our Ultimate Objective
According to the latest State of the Nation Report (2018-2019) by the Social Mobility Commission, once disadvantaged students start university they are more likely to drop out compared to those from better-off backgrounds (8.8% versus 6.3%)1. Furthermore, students from professional backgrounds are 80% more likely to get into a professional job than their less privileged peers. A major barrier that has been identified as stopping disadvantaged students from being able to reach their full potential in the workplace are the skills necessary to obtain training programmes and degree apprenticeships.
Through our alumni programme, we will boost employability skills by delivering workshops on C.V writing, interview skills and advertising opportunities for personal and professional growth in our monthly newsletter. This will ensure our alumni are well informed about career prospects, keeping them on an upward trajectory.
Improving Economic Inequality
The Great Gatsby Curve was introduced by Alan Krueger, Professor of Political Economy at Princeton University to illustrate the ability for individuals in the next generation to move up the economic ladder compared to their parents, better known as intergenerational mobility.
Data from the United Kingdom suggests that there are high levels of economic inequality i.e. income is concentrated in the hands of a few and that a child’s economic situation is more likely to be determined by their parents income2. These findings indicate that there is a relationship between economic inequality and social mobility.
At In2scienceUK we are optimistic about reform and growth and through the Alumni Community young people from disadvantaged backgrounds will receive continual support through higher education, training and career advancement, enabling them to increase their income regardless of their background.
We Can Provide the Platform to Drive This Change
In2scienceUK’s Alumni Community will play a key role in encouraging greater social mobility, diversity and inclusion for those that are underrepresented. We aim to do this by developing our talented young alumni’s social capital, network of professionals, knowledge of STEM career pathways, boost their skills and confidence so that they can reach their career potential.
We will provide the necessary professional skills, networking opportunities and guidance needed for them to establish themselves within dynamic STEM careers. Ultimately giving them more choice to shape their own lives and keeping them on a progressive path.
To find out more about our Alumni Community please visit our page here or contact our Alumni Officer Rebecca Jelbert at [email protected].
References
- Social Mobility Commission. (2019). State of the Nation 2018 – 2019 Summary. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-mobility-in-great-britain-state-of-the-nation-2018-to-2019
- Corak, M. (2013). Income Inequality, Equality of Opportunity, and Intergenerational Mobility. Journal Of Economic Perspectives, 27(3), 79-102.