The Law Family Ambition Programme
Inspiring and supporting students from underrepresented groups to aim high and fulfil their potential through higher education. The Ambition Programme nurtures natural talent and provides tools for success, supporting scholars to take the next steps toward achieving their ambitions.
A pathway of support
The path to higher education begins early. That's why the Ambition Programme works with students throughout secondary school and sixth form, right through to graduation and beyond. They are bright, talented young people from a range of backgrounds, facing barriers that may prevent them from accessing higher education.
Long before they submit an application to university, the Amibition Programme helps them navigate their next steps with confidence - and see university not only as a viable option, but as a place where they could truly belong.
Pre-university: Advice and inspiration
Delievered as part of the University's comprehensive Access Sheffield initiatives, students on the Ambition Programme have access to:
- Immersive summer schools, giving Y12 students the chance to spend a week on campus, experiencing taster lectures and activities, staying in university accommodation, building skills to prepare them for university life, and making friends from across the country - all for free.
- CoacHE, is an aspiration-raising initiative for Y9 white working-class boys. Delivered in partnership with specialist providers, it combines on-campus group learning and coaching with funded 1:1 academic tutoring to boost confidence, challenge stereotypes, and unlock future potential.
- Advice, information and inspiration, demystifying what it’s like to come to university, and fostering a sense of belonging and ambition amongst students facing barriers to accessing higher education.
- Targeted work experience and placements for Medicine and Dentistry students, opening their networks and giving them practical experience in real-world settings.
Living like a university student staying in a shared accommodation going to workshops and lectures gave me an insight into student life at Sheffield.
Summer School participant
Coming to university: Removing financial barriers, creating a sense of belonging
Financial anxiety shouldn't overshadow academic achievement. To ensure students from all backgrounds can focus on their potential alongside their peers, the Ambition Programme provides 30 dedicated scholarships annually to alleviate the costs of moving to, and studying at, university.
Beyond this financial lifeline, the programme provides 1-1 support, a named point of contact, regular drop ins, and social events. From craft activities and theatre trips, walks in the Peak District and days out at places such as the Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Chatsworth House, the events offer the opportunity to connect with other students, build peer networks and foster community, helping them feel a sense of belonging here at Sheffield.
Key Success: 125+ scholarships have been provided through the Law Family Ambition programme to date.
During university: Skills and confidence for long-term success
As Ambition Programme scholars approach graduation and beyond, the programme bridges the gap between academic success and professional ambition. Through 1-1 career coaching, networking events and paid internships with local businesses, students are able to enhance their employability skills to give them a competitive edge in the job market.
A cornerstone of this support is the University’s Career Mentoring Scheme, which connects current students with Sheffield alumni across the globe to provide the real-world insights, recruitment expertise, and professional networks needed to launch a successful career.
Key Success: In the 2024/2025 academic year 96% of student mentees reported feeling more confident and better equipped to apply for jobs in their chosen field.
The Law Family Ambition Programme is proudly funded by a £2.85 million donation from economics alumnus Andrew Law and his charitable organisation, AL Philanthropies