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We work alongside young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to create access to top-quality education and career opportunities through our Aspiring Professionals Programme, learn more about it or apply here.
98%
"The SMF fosters a living community that encourages growth, contribution, and confidence. It gives people like me the space to grow, not in spite of our background, but with a deep understanding of it."
Zahir, SMF alumni *
60%
"My time on my Aspiring Professionals Programme really changed my perspective on my ability to pursue my career and gave me so much more confidence. This experience helped me to get into Cambridge, and then to continue striving for the best."
Georgia, now studying the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
83%
"I wanted to get into law, no one in my family had any existing connections, without the SMF I wouldn’t have had any of those experiences to help me with my career."
Edden, SMF student
78%
"In September, I will be starting my training contract at the Gov Legal Department from the Leeds office in Public Law. I genuinely don’t think I would have a career without the SMF. It has gave me every skill and experience that I’ve ever needed for a career in law."
Kirstie, SMF student
1,361
"As someone who was the first generation to go to university and have a job in the city, I know how daunting the whole process can be. That's why I mentor an SMF student – to help them along the way to achieve their full potential. The impact is not just one way, it’s deeply fulfilling and I also have the opportunity to learn from my mentees as we discuss and debate different perspectives."
Michael, Ashurst LPP,
SMF mentor
We work with partners to change systems so all young people experience access to opportunities, not obstacles. One way we do this is through the Social Mobility Employer Index, which gives employers the tools to create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
150
"Taking part in the Social Mobility Index has given us invaluable insights, allowing us to make real change within our business. It’s shaped how we design our access programme, recruit and build career pathways. It’s been a real catalyst for embedding social inclusion more deeply into our culture, and I’d recommend it to any employer who wants to make real progress."
Martin Currie,
Chief Executive, Citypress
72%
"At Co-op, we were incredibly proud to publish our socioeconomic pay gap report for the first time this year. We hope to inspire long-lasting change at a societal level, so that everyone can thrive no matter their background."
Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO, Co-op
134
Some of our brilliant young people were featured on Channel 4 News, alongside coverage of our Unheard Voices research. Watch the full feature here.
Young people are at the heart of what we do, and we want to make sure their voices and views shape our work. So, we’ll nurture the skills needed to design and deliver activities with us, and share the decision-making power on issues that affect them.
But first, we want to make sure we always show up when we’re working directly with young people.
We have five main principles that we will uphold when working with young people; respect, inclusion, justice, transparency, and enthusiasm.
Our team walk alongside our community every step of the way. Here, they reflect on their highlights.
“
There have been so many moments of exciting impact for our charity this year, but I have a couple of standouts.
It’s been wonderful to see the new student platform go live. The platform has made it much easier for us to communicate directly with students so they can make the most of what our programme offers. It's also been exciting to see students using it to connect with each other and us, building their networks.
Another highlight was our Creating Connections events: seeing students practising their networking skills and building their skills and confidence, supported by some brilliant volunteers.
”
Sarah Atkinson
|
CEO
Sarah Crossan,
Programme Development Manager
Chris Savage,
Senior Aspiring Professionals Programme Coordinator
Fiona,
Aspiring Professionals Programme Manager
Charlotte,
Head of Partnerships & Income Development
Beccy,
Campaigns Manager
“
What I love most about being a Trustee at SMF is witnessing the transformation of potential into achievement. This year I attended events for 6th formers and early career professionals at which practical support was provided to boost communication and networking skills. It was a joy to see the breaking down of barriers, instilling of confidence and building of connections
”
“
I am incredibly proud to be a Trustee of SMF and have been inspired by the passion and dedication of our teams across the UK, as well as the real impact being made to our students lives. I have loved meeting our students through various events such as the “Young Women’s Forum”, and am energised by their curiosity and hunger to learn. When I see the difference the SMF can make, I feel hopeful for the future of our society.
”
“
It is a great privilege being an SMF Board Trustee; I get to witness and support first-hand the transformational change that is being undertaken. I’m especially proud to be a part of this organisation around Social Mobility Day each year, where we get to hear the stories of young adults who have defied the odds to access, and then complete higher education, sharing their experience for others to do the same.
”
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With the cost of living crisis, more and more young people are being locked out of opportunities to achieve their goals. It’s our mission to propel them forward.
Together, we can make an even bigger difference to the lives of thousands of young people across the UK.
Make a regular or one-off donation through JustGiving.
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