The upReach RISE Programme is a comprehensive initiative designed to provide tailored career support to students at partner universities, including the University of Leeds.
Each year the University of Leeds sponsors 95 students to join this three-year programme, which offers a range of services aimed at enhancing employability and achieving career goals.
Participants benefit from one-on-one coaching, skills workshops, and resources that cover various aspects of career planning, job applications and personal development. These services include CV and application assistance, mock interviews, online exercises for skill development, and application reviews.
Regular interaction with upReach staff through various communication channels ensures that students receive consistent support throughout their journey.
Programme participants have access to exclusive internships and work experience opportunities with partner employers, providing valuable real-world experience in their chosen fields. Students also can be mentored by an industry professional for a period of three to six months.
Eligibility
The RISE Programme offers a unique opportunity for first-year undergraduate students who are part of the Plus Programme, particularly those who have completed Access to Leeds or are care-experienced and/or estranged.
To secure a place, eligible students were informed of the programme through targeted mail-outs during the first semester of the 2023/24 academic year.
Interested students needed to fill out an online application form, after which the upReach team communicated with them to facilitate their onboarding, contingent upon passing the necessary eligibility checks.
This structured approach ensures that the programme supports students who can benefit most from the resources and opportunities it provides.
Snapshot of the 2023/24 RISE Associate demographics:
- 50% previously eligible for Free School Meals
- 77% first in family to attend university
- 84% household income below £25,000
- 3% previously in care
- 6% currently/previously act as a carer.
The impact
The Rise Programme’s impact reflects the active participation and success of its associates.
91% of finalists engaged in a CV review, enhancing their first impression to potential employers.
Additionally, 67 students took advantage of the one-on-one support provided, taking a personalised approach to career guidance.
The workshops and insight days also saw notable attendance, with 38 students enhancing their skills and 29 gaining valuable insights from partner organizations.
Furthermore, 13 students expanded their knowledge through career courses.
These engagements culminated in a total of 227 applications by 96 associates, leading to significant achievements: 18 secured graduate roles at prestigious firms like Barclays, EY, and Deloitte; 13 landed internships or placements at renowned companies including BNY Mellon and Santander; and 9 obtained other career development opportunities.
These statistics not only underscore the efficacy of the Rise Programme, but also highlight the determination and ambition of its participants.
“UpReach has especially helped me to develop my CV writing skills. I am more confident at writing CVs and creating a professional CV. UpReach are great at providing examples of CVs and giving tailored feedback. My next goal is to improve at writing cover letters with UpReach,” says Patricia, a Sociology student.
She adds: “UpReach’s work is really important for social mobility, especially as someone coming from a working-class background. The scheme has also boosted my confidence and helped develop my professional skills. I can understand the corporate world and different job roles better. Without UpReach I feel I would be in a different situation now.”
Ibrahim, studying Film, Photography and Media, also shares his experience: “UpReach has been a significant motivator, constantly rooting for me, connecting me with key people, and providing the resources needed to overcome barriers and access opportunities. UpReach mentors provided me with the best advice and support, which was tailored to my needs. Their guidance was accessible and gave me the push I needed to succeed.”
These quotes encapsulate the Rise programme’s impact on its participants, illustrating the profound influence it has on their professional journey.
To find out more about our work with the social mobility charity upReach, get in touch with the Student Success Team by emailing studentsuccess@leeds.ac.uk.