Proportionally more Black and Asian people go on to ‘further study’ after compulsory schooling than other groups in Britain: 25%, compared to an average of 15% in the general community.
Again, a higher proportion of British born Black and minority ethnic people then go on to higher education compared with the general community....but certain heritage groups miss out.
Overall, Black and minority ethnic people are proportionally more likely to complete compulsory schooling either without… or with few formal qualifications. These groups are identified as operating in education at up to 50% below their potential.
Relative unemployment rates for Black and minority ethnic adults over the past twenty years have on average been twice as high as those experienced by their white counterparts.
Stepladder's priority is to make a difference....to maximise the achievement of people from these groups. Intellectual stimulation, common experience of learning and effective support mechanisms, with clear career pathway directions, are all proven to boost educational and personal performance.
What is the Stepladder Target Group?
The movers and shakers of tomorrow: future high achievers from Black and minority ethnic communities: Young people with potential to become the senior managers and chief executives coming decades, standing as models of excellence in their chosen fields. Stepladder “catches 'em young”. Our range of programmes focus on young people from age 9, through higher education and on to junior management level, positively tracking the road to success right from the start of the critical primary school key stage 2, in partnership with employers, teachers and lecturers. Our flagship programmes focus on 14-16 year olds, leading to success at GCSE level.
What do we do?
We run achievement,aspiration raising and leadership programmes for young people with Black and minority ethnic heritage backgrounds. In purpose equipped training premises, our programmes are staffed by a combination of professionals, volunteers and support workers. All, including volunteers, are CRB checked as necessary. Sometimes a workplace or education venue is appropriate.
Stepladder's aim is to build a national network of positive action programmes, expanding across the EU.
How do the Programmes Work
Programmes operate with groups of 15 to 25 young people, in partnership with parents, teachers and employers as appropriate. Participants on our long programmes are usually required to attend between five and ten all day development seminars with at least two individual reviews, over a year. We also run programmes that are tailored to run intensively over shorter timescales such as 3-5 days. Success depends on participants identifying and interacting with a close peer group, sharing intellectual stimulation, common experience of life, learning and mutual support.
The impact
Opening doors to the 'real world of work' including work experience, shadowing and mentoring.
Steep increases in achievement, motivation, confidence, communication and leadership for participants. Better exam grades...good 6th form places and excellent university entrants.
Upgraded equality, diversity, inclusion and effectiveness across organisations.
For detailed information, contact us at The Stepladder Foundation
Achievement Through Diversity