Unlock your potential
The Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) is a charity which aims to make a practical improvement in social mobility for young people from low-income backgrounds. The SMF was founded in 2005 by Linkson Jack (who served as Chief Executive until January 2009) in order to provide opportunities and networks of support for 16-17 year olds who are unable to get them from their schools or families. More than ten years on, the first students supported by us have gone on to be successful in achieving degrees and graduate entry jobs. As well as extending support to students throughout university across our 11 career sectors (Accountancy, Architecture, Banking & Finance, Biology & Chemistry, Business, Digital, Engineering & Physics, Law, Media & Communications, Medicine, or Politics) we now run programmes to support young people wherever they live in the UK.
The Aspiring Professionals Programme (APP) is carefully designed to open up professions for those with the ability to join them in the future, but without the means or networks to get there.
We aim to give young people a real insight into top professions and to provide them with the skills needed to achieve their aspirations. We offer support through our four pillars:
- Mentoring by a professional via email
- Tailored skills sessions and career workshops
- University application support and guidance
- Internships with top employers
Students complete one application to the APP but how they receive our four pillars of support is dependent on where they live:
APP City
Students who live within an hour of an APP City (Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Newcastle) are offered skill sessions, internships and university application support in their city. They will also receive a mentor from their chosen sector.
APP Residential
Students who live more than an hour of an APP City are prioritised for APP Residential. APP Residential offers the opportunity to undertake a one or two week internship with a top employer in London. Students will be part of a group, and all expenses including travel to London, meals and accommodation are included. Whilst on the residential and in addition to the internship, students receive skill sessions and university application support. Their mentor will be from the employer that they undertake their placement with.
APP Reach
Students who live more than an hour from an APP City who may be unable to attend workshops in person are prioritised for APP Reach. It’s open to motivated, ambitious students from who may not meet the academic criteria for APP Residential. Students receive online resources and video tutorials to develop key skills and career knowledge, university application support, and a mentor from their chosen sector.
For more information, visit www.socialmobility.org.uk