NU/1407 The Provision of an Online Tutoring/Mentoring Platform for the North East Collaborative Otreach Programme

Tender description

The North East Collaborative Outreach Programme (NECOP) is a partnership of the five universities, 17 FE Colleges and Sixth Form Colleges in the North East region working together to deliver a targeted programme of information and support relating to higher education options in the North East for 108 target schools. This activity is part of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme funded by the Office for Students (OfS). Details of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme can be found here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/promoting-equal-opportunities/national-collaborative-outreach-programme-ncop/ The aim of the project is to increase the number of young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds progressing to higher education by 2020. The programme's objectives are: • To increase the number of targeted young people considering higher education as an option for them. • To increase the rate of applications to higher education from target wards established by OfS data. • To increase awareness of higher education opportunities and progression pathways and to increase the understanding of higher education opportunities in the region. To achieve these objectives, NECOP offers young people in Years 9 to 13 in target areas access to a range of activities and events to support them in considering their future options and learning about educational pathways available to them. FutureMe is the student facing programme of activity being offered to students by NECOP. By taking part in FutureMe activities we want young people to: • Have the opportunity to plan for their future and gain an understanding of what can support them in reaching their goals. • Have access to high quality information and support to help them consider whether higher education is the right option for them. • Have an increased awareness and understanding of higher education opportunities and progression pathways in the region. To allow participating students to realise their goals and fulfil their potential, FutureMe will include the offer of academic/aspiration raising tutoring/mentoring from current undergraduate students from the NECOP partner universities to targeted young people in Years 10 and 11. The provision of an online platform is required to facilitate this support and allow the delivery of appropriate material to support this outcome.