Realize Program: Empowering Care-Experienced Students for Higher Education

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Realize Program at the University of Cambridge
3. Engaging with Students through Outreach Events
4. Building Bridges: A Fun and Educational Activity
5. Support for Students at Cambridge
6. Financial Support for Care Leavers
7. Meeting Current Students: Inspiring Future Success
8. The Power of Personal Stories
9. Overcoming Nervousness and Inspiring Confidence
10. The Realize Program: Making Higher Education a Possibility

The Realize Program: Inspiring Care-Experienced Students to Pursue Higher Education

🔍 Introduction

Pursuing higher education can be a daunting prospect, especially for young people in care. However, the Realize Program at the University of Cambridge aims to change that perception. Through a series of outreach events and activities, the program seeks to engage with and inspire care-experienced students to consider university as a realistic option. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the Realize Program and how it supports and encourages students to embark on their educational journey.

🏫 The Realize Program at the University of Cambridge

The Realize Program is an initiative coordinated by Claire at the University of Cambridge. Its primary goal is to invite young people in care to visit the university and learn about the opportunities available to them. Through a range of events and activities, the program aims to raise the aspirations and awareness of Cambridge and higher education in general.

💡 Engaging with Students through Outreach Events

The Realize Program organizes approximately 15 day events throughout the year, catering to students of all abilities from year seven to year thirteen. These events cover a wide range of subjects and offer a glimpse into university life. One such activity involved the construction of bridges. The young participants were tasked with building a bridge that spanned over 60 centimeters and could hold objects. This fun, team-building activity highlighted the students' potential and their ability to excel in challenging tasks.

🌟 Building Bridges: A Fun and Educational Activity

The bridge-building activity proved to be an enjoyable and educational experience for the students. Working together as a team, they successfully constructed bridges that met the requirements and even surpassed expectations. The sense of accomplishment was evident, and the satisfaction of coming in first place added an extra layer of pride. This activity not only showcased the students' capabilities but also provided them with a tangible example of what they could achieve with the right support and guidance.

🤝 Support for Students at Cambridge

The Realize Program not only exposes students to the university's offerings but also ensures they are aware of the support available if they choose to study at Cambridge. Upon admission, students receive assistance from a personal tutor, a director of studies, and access to the Disability Resource Center and counseling services. These resources aim to provide students with the necessary support to thrive academically and emotionally during their university journey.

💰 Financial Support for Care Leavers

One concern that often arises among care-experienced students is the financial aspect of pursuing higher education. However, the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive range of financial support to all students, including care leavers. This support includes accommodation for the full three years of study and additional assistance for those who require year-round housing. By alleviating financial pressures, the university aims to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed academically.

👥 Meeting Current Students: Inspiring Future Success

One of the key elements of the Realize Program is connecting care-experienced students with current students, especially those who have gone through similar experiences. These interactions provide invaluable insight into what university life is like, dispelling doubts and inspiring confidence. Hearing personal stories from individuals like TK, a care leaver who successfully navigated the journey from care to Cambridge, can be incredibly empowering. It serves as a reminder that, with the right support and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams.

💭 The Power of Personal Stories

Personal stories are a powerful tool in helping care-experienced students envision themselves at university. By sharing their own experiences and challenges, program coordinators like Claire offer guidance and reassurance to prospective students. These snippets of personal anecdotes make Cambridge more relatable and achievable, showcasing that university life is not limited to a select few but rather open to all with the desire and willingness to pursue it.

😊 Overcoming Nervousness and Inspiring Confidence

Entering university can be intimidating, particularly for students who may lack confidence due to their care background. However, the Realize Program strives to alleviate these fears and instill a sense of belonging. Through guidance and mentorship, the program supports students in overcoming their nervousness and embracing the opportunities that higher education provides. By socializing with current students and gaining insights into university life, participants feel more at ease and ready to take on the challenge of academia.

✨ The Realize Program: Making Higher Education a Possibility

In conclusion, the Realize Program at the University of Cambridge plays a vital role in inspiring care-experienced students to pursue higher education. Through outreach events, educational activities, and ongoing support, the program empowers students to believe in their capabilities and consider university as a realistic option. By sharing personal stories, providing financial assistance, and fostering connections with current students, the program breaks down barriers and opens doors for a brighter future. With the Realize Program, every care-experienced student has the opportunity to realize their full potential and thrive in higher education.

Highlights

• The Realize Program at the University of Cambridge seeks to inspire care-experienced students to pursue higher education.
• Outreach events and activities expose students to university life and raise their aspirations and awareness.
• Building bridges activity demonstrates the students' potential and teamwork skills.
• Support services at Cambridge, including personal tutors and counseling services, ensure students have the necessary resources to succeed.
• Financial support is available for all students, including care leavers, addressing concerns about funding.
• Connecting care-experienced students with current students who have gone through similar experiences is a powerful source of inspiration.
• Personal stories from program coordinators and mentors offer guidance and reassurance to prospective students.
• Overcoming nervousness and instilling confidence in students is a priority of the Realize Program.
• The Realize Program makes higher education a realistic possibility for care-experienced students.

FAQs

Q: How can care-experienced students participate in the Realize Program? A: Care-experienced students can participate in the program by contacting the Realize Program via the email address provided on their website.

Q: Is there a cost to attend the Realize events? A: No, the Realize events are completely free of charge.

Q: Does the University of Cambridge offer financial support to care leavers? A: Yes, the University of Cambridge provides a range of financial support to all students, and care leavers are eligible to access this support.

Q: Is accommodation provided for the full duration of study at Cambridge? A: Yes, the university offers accommodation for all students for the full three years. Care leavers may also have access to year-round housing if needed.

Q: How does the Realize Program help care-experienced students overcome their nervousness about attending university? A: The Realize Program offers guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to interact with current students who can share their experiences and insights into university life, helping to alleviate nervousness and build confidence.