June 8, 2018, by Liz Cass

Outreach programme leaps into action to broaden young people’s horizons

Hundreds of school children across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire have had a taste of University life as part of a national week of action to encourage more young people into Higher Education (HE).

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Collaborative Outreach Programme (DANCOP) held a series of events such as film screenings, visits to the University of Oxford, and special assemblies to help young people understand their education options.

They also provided free subscriptions to website Unifrog which gives advice to schools and students in making choices about university and apprenticeships.

The action supports the work of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP) which is funded by the Office for Students and running events around the country.

Emma Szembek, Deputy Director of Student Recruitment (Widening Participation and Outreach) at the University of Nottingham, said: “In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, young people are less likely to go into higher education than in other areas of the country despite similar GCSE results. DANCOP is working to change that.

“This week’s events will give these young people an opportunity to plan for their future and think strategically about their choices as they progress through school.”

DANCOP brings together the University of Derby, the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and local HE colleges, with over 100 schools and other local organisations to understand how to best create activities and events that inspire and support young people to plan their future education.

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