Young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who completed the SMF's Aspiring Professionals Programme saw significant improvements in their future earnings, their chances of getting into Russell Group universities and their odds of being in employment.
That’s according to new analysis by the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Employment Data Lab. They compared students who completed our Programme with a group that was carefully matched based on GCSE grades, socioeconomic background, ethnicity, sex, subject choice and more.
Young people on our Programme saw a significant boost in earnings which grew over time compared with their peers. They earned an average of £300 more per year after year four, £2,400 after year seven, and £5,400 10 years after starting.
The Aspiring Professionals Programme is aimed at 16-24 year olds who are from working-class, low-income or care-experienced backgrounds, or are the first generation in their family to go to university. It includes skills and careers workshops, professional mentoring, work experience and support with applying to university.
Young people on the Programme were 11% more likely to get into a Russell Group university and 9% more likely to obtain a degree from one within seven years of beginning the Programme. And they were 3% more likely to be employed five years after starting.
Sarah Atkinson, Chief Executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, said:
“This research is further proof of what we already knew: that with the right support, young people of all backgrounds can flourish. It’s a testament to the commitment, generosity and diligent work of our staff, volunteers and funders that we’ve welcomed tens of thousands of students onto our programme over the last 20 years.
“But inequality isn’t going anywhere, and young people badly need our support to navigate a highly unequal system. We’re committed to building on this success and making opportunity a reality for more of our young people.”
Read the full report here.
If you would like to speak with Sarah Atkinson, or case studies from the Social Mobility Foundation’s Aspiring Professionals Programme, please contact Tom Bell, Campaigns Officer at the Social Mobility Foundation at press.office@socialmobility.org.uk.
Wider Context
About the Social Mobility Foundation:
The SocialMobility Foundation (SMF) is a national charity that works for a society wherepeople from all social backgrounds can thrive in education and the workplace,and all young people can explore their talents. They support young people fromlower socioeconomic backgrounds through their Aspiring Professionals Programme,their Social Mobility Employer Index, and their campaigns work.
About the Aspiring Professionals Programme:
The Aspiring Professionals Programme turns opportunity into a reality for over 4,000 young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds by opening doors to top quality education and career pathways. It guides participants from age 16 to their first jobs with mentoring, university application support, and work experience.
About the Employment Data Lab:
TheEmployment Data Lab is a service provided by a team of analysts at theDepartment for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Data Lab provides group-level benefits and employment information to organisations who have worked with people to help them into employment. The purpose is to provide these organisations with information to help themu nderstand the impact of their programmes. More information about the Employment Data Lab and its background.
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