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US scholars visit the University of East London to investigate access to higher education

Wednesday 30 June 2010

University of New Hampshire PhD students

PhD students from the University of New Hampshire will spend the next month at the University of East London taking part in a new learning and research programme on higher education access issues.

As part of the first International Summer Institute offered at UEL, the students will work with the UEL research centre for Widening Participation Policy Studies, Continuum, to investigate the policies that allow underrepresented groups of UK citizens to access higher education.

UEL is home to a diverse population of students, many of whom overcome a range of challenges that can prevent young people from pursuing higher education. University academics will share their expertise to better understand the barriers to education and the support systems in place to assist students in reaching their potential.

The US students are part of the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program which assists low-income and first-generation students in pursuing a PhD degree. During their stay at UEL, the students will be attending bespoke research seminars and undertaking their own research projects. The Summer Institute also offers professional networking opportunities and a chance to experience social and cultural aspects of life in London.

The University of New Hampshire is the largest and most diverse educational institution in the state and shares UEL’s tradition of supporting first-generation and under-represented university students and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Professor John Storan, Director of the Continuum Centre at UEL says, “There has been a lot of interest in the International Summer Institute. Students from the University of Central Florida will be taking part in the programme later this summer and we’re in discussions with a number of other US-based institutions for next summer’s programme. Collaboration with other universities is vital to inspire research and develop new areas of expertise at UEL.”

The Continuum Centre for Widening Participation Policy Studies is based at the University of East London’s Docklands campus.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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