A bright future

Graduating from university marks the end of a journey and the beginning of a brand-new chapter.

It can be a time of mixed emotions for many students, from excitement and pride to feelings of fear and uncertainty about what the future may hold.

Joining the most recent group of students to successfully complete their degree and graduate from Manchester Met are 38 talented First Generation students.

Manchester Met’s award-winning First Generation Scholarship Programme offers a complete journey of support before, during, and after university for young people from the North West who are the first generation in their family to go to university.

In 2018, the first cohort of students enrolled onto the Programme, which aims to transform the lives of 1,000 young people by helping them to realise their potential and thrive.

First Generation starts with pre-entry (school-aged) support and those that choose to accept a place at Manchester Met benefit from a programme of skills development sessions, peer and professional mentoring, and financial support.

Donations help to fund a student scholarships in the form of the £1,000 cash bursary alongside bespoke activities that support employability, to help level the playing field for these young people.

In 2021, 73% of students progressing onto First Generation were from a Black, Asian, or minority ethnic background, and 84% were from some of the most deprived areas of England, reinforcing the impact the scheme has in opening up the path to university.

And the Programme was also recognised with a prestigious Times Higher Education award for the Widening Participation and Outreach Initiative of the Year in November 2021.

Through continued professional and personal support, the Programme has helped students to feel well supported as they come to the end of their studies as well as preparing them for life after university.

Firzah Ali (pictured above celebrating her graduation), who was part of the first cohort, studied Psychology at Manchester Met and was grateful for the support she received throughout her studies – something which began before starting university.

“The First Generation Scholarship Programme made it so much easier to transition into university and it helped every step of the way, even to the end of my degree,” said Firzah. “From the start to the very finish, it just helped massively.”

Firzah is now studying for a masters in Forensic Psychology and has recently received an offer to work as an independent domestic violence adviser.

She credits First Generation with helping to prepare her for taking the next steps in her career.

“Even from the very start of my first year, even before I moved into university, we had these sessions every month that taught you about postgraduate opportunities, finances, jobs, about literally everything,” Firzah said.

“From working at the First Generation Summer School or attending networking sessions, the Programme gives you the skills and the experience to prepare you for your career and work with companies.”

Reflecting on her time as a Scholar, Firzah praises the Programme for making the transition into university easier through regular visits during college to learning what life would be like at Manchester Met.

“I think the scariest bit about joining university is that you won’t know anyone and it will be a lot harder to adjust or transition. But with First Generation, we did that well before coming to university.” Firzah said.

“When I went into my first year, I already felt comfortable. I knew what was where, I knew who to go to, what to do,” Firzah added. “I met so many people that are still my friends to this day.”

For fellow Scholar Euan Case (pictured below), having this support network of students and First Generation staff was invaluable when studying for his degree in Criminology.

“Knowing that there’s support available was one of the most important aspects of the Programme for me,” Euan said. “And the First Generation staff are very supportive and always checking in. Even now we’ve graduated, they still regularly check to see how people are doing.”

Those involved in the Scholarship Programme have benefitted from a range of opportunities to help support their employability in preparation for when they graduate, ranging from skills development sessions to mentoring.

For Euan, these opportunities have helped him to develop transferrable skills that will be beneficial for his future career.

Knowing that there’s support available was one of the most important aspects of the Programme for me

“The Programme provided several networking opportunities and events where you can meet potential employers or mentors. We were also paired up with mentors in our second year, which was really helpful,” Euan said.

“It gives you the chance to engage with people in a professional environment and get used to having those interactions,” Euan added. “These opportunities inspire you and make you think about what might interest you. It opens you up to new people and new experiences.”

For both Firzah and Euan, graduation was a significant moment and a time to reflect on what they have achieved since joining Manchester Metropolitan.

“I was proud of graduating and achieving what I did. But when it came around to the graduation ceremony, that was when it hit me a bit more,” Euan said. “It was a very proud feeling to have got through it and to have done well.”

Both Firzah and Euan reflect positively about their experience on the First Generation Scholarship Programme and would encourage young people who are thinking of joining university to enrol, if they are eligible.

“The whole First Generation Programme, even the bursary, just helps massively. But bursary aside, it’s also the pastoral support that makes a difference. So, if you’re considering going to Manchester Metropolitan, it’d be silly not to apply, if you can. It’s like an added bonus,” Firzah said.

Euan added: “The Scholarship Programme is definitely worth being a part of because you’ll gain a network of people who you can relate to, and just building up experience through opportunities provided for you is so beneficial for when you leave university.”

First Generation Scholarship Programme

Manchester Met’s award-winning First Generation Scholarship Programme launched to schools and colleges across the North West of England in 2017.

Over the past five years, the Programme has supported the brightest students, many of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds, to realise their potential.

It offers a complete journey of support for young people who will be the first generation of their family to attend higher education.

It offers practical support and application guidance to students in Year 12 and 13 to help them to access and then transition to university.

The Programme starts with pre-entry, including residential and non-residential Summer Schools, support with applications, and peer mentorship from students with similar life experience.

Those who progress onto a full-time undergraduate degree at Manchester Met benefit from access to professional mentoring, skills development sessions, the opportunity to help the next generation by working or volunteering as a First Generation Ambassador, work experience, financial support in their first year in the shape of £1,000, and the opportunities to attend fully-funded bespoke activities that support employability.

In addition to providing a support network, mentorship and connection, the Programme aims to give students the self-belief to know that university is a place where they will be accepted, thrive, and find the confidence to follow their ambitions.

Get involved

The First Generation Programme is co-funded by Manchester Metropolitan but also relies on donations from our alumni and friends.

To find out more about how you can support our goal to transform the lives of 1,000 young people by 2025, visit: mmu.ac.uk/firstgeneration