What is the Aimhigher Associate scheme?
The Aimhigher Associate scheme has been set up to provide support and information to young people who have the potential to go on to higher education, but might not have considered it as an option. In reality, the scheme offers so much more…Young people are given their own personal mentor, a current undergraduate, who will work with them to identify, set and achieve their educational goals. This isn’t just a one-off meeting, either. From November to May, during term time, your son or daughter’s Aimhigher Associate will meet with him/her at least once a week and will also be available via email during the school holidays.

Why has my son/daughter been selected to take part?
Some people think that because their son or daughter has been asked to attend individual mentor sessions they might be in trouble or that they are struggling at school. In fact it is quite the reverse. Students will only be invited to take part in the Aimhigher Associate scheme if their teachers believe that they have real potential to go on to university. By taking part in the Aimhigher Associate scheme, students will get access to additional support, advice, information and to the skills and tools they need to help them succeed.

What happens during the meetings between the Aimhigher Associates and the students they mentor?
Aimhigher Associates work with students in a number of areas. The Associates will help students:

• with a range of subject areas, supporting them to become more effective learners
• develop the qualities of self-discipline and perseverance, so that learners apply themselves to their studies in a systematic way
• develop a positive attitude to the challenges they face both within and outside the school/college
• plan and organise homework assignments, project work, coursework and revision, helping them to see the connection between their studies and the next stage in their development
• consider the opportunities offered by higher education
• develop a well thought out approach to the university application process
• reflect on, analyse and log their experiences, reflections and intentions in order to plan for the future
• gain insight into the relevance of their studies as a preparation for higher education, the world of work and society.

How will my son or daughter benefit from being involved in the scheme?
The scheme gives learners an opportunity to work with a resourceful individual who wants them to succeed and who can offer practical assistance and personal support to help them achieve their potential. The range of benefits includes:

• increased self-esteem, motivation and confidence
• an increased sense of direction and purpose
• encouragement and support to improve academic achievement
• help in combating underachievement
• the opportunity to meet with a positive role model
• an increased awareness of the opportunities offered by higher education
• support and assistance in making successful educational transitions
• opportunities to develop a confident approach to the UCAS application process
• experience in planning for the future and preparation for the world of work.

Who are the Aimhigher Associates?
They are current students from local universities and further education colleges. They have been through a professional and rigorous application, selection and training process, which has included comprehensive background checks, to achieve their ‘Aimhigher Associate’ status. As far as possible, the Aimhigher Associates will have come from a similar background to the students they will be mentoring, and, where possible, have been  matched with their students in terms of the subjects they are studying, their personal interests and their personalities. There are currently 123 Associates working in 14 local schools, and supporting approximately 600 learners.

What qualities do the Aimhigher Associates need?
We expect a lot from our Aimhigher Associates. Take a look at the ‘person specification’ and you’ll see what we mean. Having said that, we’re delighted with the calibre of our Aimhigher Associates. They are an exceptional group of young people and we’re extremely proud of their professionalism and commitment to the scheme. We hope that the mentees will benefit tremendously from their experience and that they will see them as really positive role models.

Why do you need my consent?
As the mentees are all aged between 14-18, we are legally required to obtain parental consent. But it’s also essential that as a parent/carer you know that your son or daughter is being invited to take part in the scheme and that you are comfortable with that.

Who can I speak to if I have any questions?
If you have any questions about any aspect of the Aimhigher Associate scheme, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can speak to:

• Aimhigher Associates Mentoring Coordinator, Dave Richards on 0115 848 2949, email david.richards@ntu.ac.uk;