Video transcript: The Plus Programme is 10 years old!

Transcript for the video embedded on the Student Success Plus programme page.

[Music]

[Graphics in a squiggly line style for the Plus Programme appears on screen]  

The narrator says: the Plus Programme offers exclusive opportunities, activities and funding that empowers students from under-represented backgrounds to succeed at Leeds.

[The graphic shifts to a number 10]

The narrator continues: We’ve been leading the way for 10 years now.

[An image of the University of Leeds’ Great Hall appears with the title ‘Back in 2014’, followed by images of students studying and the title ‘Holistic Support’]

The narrator says: Back in 2014, we knew that scholarships alone weren’t enough for some students to keep studying at the University. Offering more holistic support made a difference to our scholarship holders, so we had the bold idea of expanding this to support even more students.

[A + (plus) graphic appears, symbolising the Plus Programme. Alongside this single plus symbol, the text ‘1,000 students’ appears. This then changes to numerous plus symbols, with the text 14,000 students].

The narrator says: We started with a humble 1,000 students. But fast forward to today, and over 14,000 students have been members of the Plus Programme…

[The text ‘5,800 registered in 2024 appears, alongside various photos of students in the Parkinson Building].

The narrator continues:...with over 5,8000 registered in 2024. That’s nearly 1 in 6 students at Leeds. 

[Multiple images of events and interventions conducted by the University of Leeds, as well as students studying, appear]

The narrator continues: What began as small-scale events and mentoring, has evolved with our students and their individual needs. Now, it’s a wide-ranging offer. And we’ve had lots of proud moments over the last ten years. 

[The initial style graphics of squiggly lines reappear with the words ‘Find your people’ appearing in the centre. This is followed by a picture of students chatting].

The narrator states: We organise events, opportunities and spaces to connect with other like-minded students. In 2024, 955 students met each other through Plus Programme initiatives.

[The squiggly lines reappear, with the words ‘Focus on your finances’ appearing in the centre. This is followed by a picture of a student working with filming equipment].

The narrator continues: Since 2017, we have provided funding for over 3,500 professional development opportunities and Union Society memberships or associated costs. 

[The squiggly lines reappear, with the words ‘Get ahead as a grad’ appearing in the centre. This is followed by a picture of a student]

The narrator says: We give Plus Programme students priority and exclusive access to advice, events and opportunities with the Careers Service. 

[The squiggly lines reappear, with the words ‘Share your voice’ appearing in the centre. This is followed by an image of a female student.]

The narrator says: We’re always developing new ideas. In 2023, we launched our flagship Student Involvement Project, putting student voices at the heart of everything we do. Our work has impact. 

[Rows of plus symbols appear, highlighting the increase in continuation rate for engaged Undergraduate Plus Programme students]

The narrator says: The continuation rate for engaged Undergraduate Plus Programme students was 5.5% higher than the University average.

[The squiggly lines reappear, with multiple quotes from Plus Programme students being presented. One states “The Plus Programme has had a really positive impact on my student experience”, another says “if anything were to go wrong, if I did need any extra support, then there were people to talk to”. These are quickly followed by three more quotes: “I’ve had opportunities to improve my skills and learn more about things”, “The Plus Programme makes me feel valued and empowers me to get involved” and “The Plus Programme has helped me feel part of the university and part of a community”. This is followed by more images of students.]

The narrator says: Despite all of that, our proudest moments come from Plus Programme students themselves. The Plus Programme has become a sector-leading success story over the last 10 years, and we plan to continue growing and innovating throughout the next decade.

[Text appears across a black screen, with the university logo and name, as well as ‘Find out more at linktr.ee/theplusprogramme’]

The narrator finishes by stating: Find out more about the Plus Programme online.