Go Higher
Go Higher is a small, innovative, one year part-time programme run by the University of Liverpool to widen participation in Higher Education. With 86 adults engaged in 2008, for the last ten years taxi drivers, builders, pensioners, bouncers, young or single parents, and people excluded from working because of redundancy or disability have all had the opportunity to further their learning - at the University and elsewhere - thanks to Go Higher.
The scheme - which is set to develop in the future as part of the roll out of the University's strategic plan - helps adults who have been out of formal education for at least three years to get back into learning, and gives them a chance to study at the University of Liverpool. Over the last two years, 55 per cent of Go Higher learners have achieved the qualifications they need to start a degree programme.
With a Mature Student Advisor, as well as Student Advocates who undertake outreach and advocacy work, since the programme's inception, Go Higher students have had a big impact on the University's Academic Departments, which were initially sceptical of the scheme. "Now, 'Go Highers' are recognised as excellent, well-prepared students who contribute significantly, not just to their academic department, but also to the experience of younger students straight from school", said Tricia Jenkins MBE of the Educational Opportunities Team.
"The biggest impact of Go Higher is the transformation in learners' self-esteem. This enables them to achieve personal, professional and academic success. Go Higher brings a life change to our students, and offers them a choice about their future", said Tricia. "From the very first tentative phone call, the fear and uncertainty prior to arrival, the nerves and panic on induction day, the trauma of the first assignment, the joy of success, the sense of achievement and the growing recognition that they do have the right to be at the University of Liverpool".