Alumni Response to the New Government

By Hannah Newman

A few weeks ago, our CEO welcomed the new government and discussed how we are providing opportunities for all.

But what do the young people we have supported think?

To find out, we asked some of our current and former programme participants about what sort of actions they would like to see the new government take to support social mobility and young people accessing opportunities. Their insights were interesting and highlighted some critical steps that are needed to foster a more inclusive future. Join us as we share their perspectives and explore the changes they believe will make a real difference. Here’s what they had to say.

“As a young person passionate about STEM, I hope the new government will prioritise initiatives that enhance access to education and research opportunities for all. Introducing schemes like work experience in these sectors is crucial to support diverse pathways into STEM fields, particularly for underrepresented groups, to ensure social mobility and innovation. By investing in inclusive education and creating platforms for young voices, we can foster a generation of scientists and researchers who reflect the diversity of our society.” 

What has made me personally passionate about having opportunities in STEM, especially for underrepresented groups, is the diversity in the outside-the-box thinking that I believe we can bring to the table that I feel is often underestimated. Our diverse experiences and backgrounds should be seen as a way to empower in the opportunities we are given.”

Sana, In2research participant and In2scienceUK digital ambassador

“As we look towards the future, my hope is that the new government prioritises policies that enhance social mobility by investing in education and creating more equitable opportunities for young people. It’;s crucial that we support initiatives that bridge the gap between underserved communities and access to STEM careers, ensuring every young person has the chance to reach their full potential.

I would love to see the new government take decisive actions to address the barriers to social mobility. This includes increasing funding for educational programs that target underprivileged areas, expanding mentorship and internship opportunities, and fostering partnerships between schools and industries. We need a collaborative effort to create a more inclusive society where every young person can thrive.

My expectation from the new government is a commitment to creating robust support systems for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This should include comprehensive career guidance, financial support for higher education, and accessible pathways into STEM fields. Only by empowering our youth can we build a more just and innovative future.”

Tina, In2STEM alumnus and avid In2careers participant

”I would like to see the new government provide new opportunities for young people to experience work environments related to Computational Biology, AI, and Machine Learning’. As these fields are becoming crucial for scientific research (Academia and Industry), the only way to generate further UK-based experts in these fields and to help our country progress positively is to provide these opportunities to young people. We need new fresh and unique perspectives in these fields, and only the next young generation can provide such views.”

Shahid, In2research alumnus and current PhD student at UCL

“I welcome the new Labour government to take decisive action to boost social mobility and create opportunities for young people. Key policies should include universal free school meals, allowing students to focus better, and increased investment in schools, particularly in STEM teaching and support for teachers to address skills shortages while broadening opportunities. 

Encouraging disadvantaged young people to attend university should also be a priority, with increased maintenance grants and more progressive loan repayment structures to ease the financial burden. These new policies should ensure that all young people, regardless of background, can both access and thrive in the opportunities they deserve.”

Phoebe, In2scienceUK trustee and alumnus

Special thanks to Sana, Tina, Shahid and Phoebe