A BRAND-NEW learning centre has officially launched in Glasgow today which will support young people in their education and careers.
IntoUniversity, based at the Maryhill Hub, is a project between IntoUniversity, Glasgow University and Edinburgh University.
Dr Rachel Carr, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of IntoUniversity, said: “We are delighted to have opened our latest learning centre in Maryhill in collaboration with the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
"It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the success of students so far, as well as looking forward to what they will achieve in the future.”
The centre is the third in the country, after launches in Govan and Craigmillar, Edinburgh, and will support people aged 7-18 of all academic levels.
Two students spoke of their experience at the centre, which first opened in October.
Melika, aged 14, an S3 pupil at John Paul Academy, Glasgow, said: “When I leave school, I want to study law at university and become a lawyer. I think it is really good at this centre. It’s a place for you to come to concentrate on study.
"When I am at home, it is more difficult to study, as I am distracted by my phone and TV. Here I am able to focus on the work and staff are very helpful.”
Wiaam, aged 14, an S3 pupil at John Paul Academy, Glasgow, said: “I want to be a doctor when I leave school. It has been really helpful to come here after school.
"Staff here have given me lots of study and helpful exams advice and top tips which will be really helpful, especially for my Nat 5’s next year."
The universities will be involved as well as local schools and Glasgow City Council to provide the young people with after-school support, mentoring with university students and various workshops.
Professor Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, said: “The launch of the Maryhill learning centre marks another major milestone in helping us unlock and nurture the potential of young people, regardless of their background. This is an ambitious and important project, and we are proud to be part of it.
“The impact of the learning centre will create a wider benefit not only for the individuals, but also for their families and communities, the universities or colleges they might attend, and for society as a whole.”
The project is motivated by a concern for children growing up in poverty and how this impacts their education.
Figures have shown that 66% of school leavers who attended IntoUniversity centres went on to attend university, compared to 26.6% of leavers from similar backgrounds.
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor University of Glasgow, added: “While tremendous strides have been made in Widening Participation in recent years, there are still too many young people – particularly those who have experienced poverty – who do not see a university education as open to them.
"The University of Glasgow is determined to change that, and our ground-breaking collaboration with IntoUniversity is a key part of that mission. “We know that potentially world-changing talent exists in every community across Glasgow – and as a University and a city, we cannot allow this untapped potential go to waste.
"For the University and the city to thrive, we must empower people from across our communities to meet their full potential regardless of their background.
“The new IntoUniversity centre in Maryhill will build on the successes of the centres opened in Govan and Craigmillar last year – working with even more young people from an early age to give them the confidence to consider a university education or to support them in their ambitions into employment or further education, helping to unlock their full potential.”
Gerry Lyons of Glasgow City Council said: “What a wonderful partnership and facility that will benefit Glasgow’s children and young people.
"Our schools strive to provide as many opportunities as possible to enhance the learning and teaching offered by our teachers and school staff and I am so excited to see how this centre and the work we will do in it resource increases our pupils’ outcomes and supports their future pathways into Higher Education.”
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