Role Model Ambassadors Programme

The Role Model Ambassador Programme (RMA) is a research-led initiative which primarily involves working with local British South Asian schools and colleges, youth groups, and Islamic faith schools.  The programme was developed to provide young people of South Asian heritage the opportunity to engage with current students from similar backgrounds about higher education, university life, and overcoming barriers to get there.

For context, the programme was borne out of a dedicated research project in 2018 conducted by Dr. Sayjda Talib and Eleanor Dove, critically assessing the HE progression of British South Asian girls, the reasoning behind why students did or did not choose university, the barriers that held them back, and the decisions behind their selected university, if they attended. Working with the British South Asian community and Islamic Faith schools in Lancashire, the programme provides the opportunity for in-school and on-campus visits supported by a dedicated team of Role Model Ambassadors, and has worked with thousands of students across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and London.

Previously focused on female pupils in Years 9 and 10, the Role Model Ambassador Programme has expanded this year to include two distinct strands for both male and female pupils:

Pre-16 Strand (Years 7 to 10):

Focuses on building early awareness of higher education through interactive workshops and school engagement.

Post-16 Strand (Years 12 and 13):

Provides continued guidance through key decision-making stages, including university choices, applications and career pathways.

A group of students celebrate with certificates of achievement alongside staff. They are standing under a Lancaster University logo.

Tab Content: Pre-16 Strand

Year 7-8

While Role Model Ambassadors attend careers fairs across all year groups, their focus is on providing early insight into higher education, sharing their authentic experiences at Lancaster University, and answering questions from younger students.

Year 9

In-school visit offering an introduction to higher education, guidance on subject choices, and the development of key employability skills. The session also includes personal stories from current students, highlighting lived experience e.g. female Muslim experience at Lancaster University—to ensure relatable and meaningful engagement. We also welcome suggestions from schools to tailor the visit to the needs and interests of their students.

Year 10

On-campus visit that engages students in a mix of academic and social activities, providing a well-rounded insight into university life. Past academic sessions have included talks from medical students, hands-on planetarium workshops, and careers sessions. Social activities have included origami workshops and sports days, giving students the chance to experience the community and extracurricular side of university.

Tab Content: Post-16 Strand

Year 12

A place on the Lancaster Access Programme – RMA/British South Asian strand which offers tailored sessions that reflect the lived experiences of British South Asian students, covering key topics such as Finance and Budgeting, Being Asian at University, and Course Choices from an Asian Student Perspective. In addition to these bespoke sessions, students also have access to the main Lancaster Access Programme (LAP) events, including subject-specific Q&As, a Sports and Societies Showcase, and a residential—all of which contribute towards their credit total. The target is to reach 100 credits to be eligible for a reduced offer.

Year 13

Reward and Recognition on the Lancaster Access Programme - Participation in the RMA/UK Asian strand counts towards the Lancaster Access Programme, with students needing just 20 additional credits or attendance at one more event to become eligible for a reduced offer—up to three grades below the standard entry requirement (e.g. AAA reduced to BBB).

If you would like your school to be involved in the Role Model Ambassador Programme or to learn more about upcoming events, please get in touch via wp@lancaster.ac.uk or contact the Project Lead, Kim Edward, WP Officer: k.edward@lancaster.ac.uk

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Commendations

The programme was highly commended in the 2022 National Widening Participation Awards, organised by the National Education Opportunities Network (NEON). Selected from over 90 nominations across the higher education sector, it was one of only two initiatives commended in the Widening Access Initiative (Outreach) category.

Dr Sayja Talib being presented with a certificate of achievement

The Education Matters Podcast

Created by the founders of the Role Model Ambassador Programme, this podcast features thought-provoking and inspiring episodes with guests from a wide range of academic, professional, and industry backgrounds. Current RMA Ambassadors also have the opportunity to share their own experiences on the podcast. The Education Matters podcast is available on Spotify.

Listen here