The Law Family Ambition Programme

Raising aspirations - realising ambition

A major passion for Andrew is ensuring that all young people with talent have the opportunity to realise it. A key focus of the Law Family Charitable Foundation is supporting education and social mobility, as these are vital elements in bringing about real social change.

This starts by showing young people what they are capable of, and how they can develop their potential through university study. Next, it’s about supporting those same students during their studies: alleviating any financial concerns that arise from leaving home and going to university; and helping address any problems they face during their studies. Finally, it is about ensuring those students can take the skills they have developed and apply them in the real world.

Making such a big difference is no simple task, which is why the programme has been split into three areas, each building on pre-existing projects which already support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Before university

For many young people, the decision about what to do after school is fundamental. And for those from underrepresented groups, it can be difficult to make an informed decision. That’s where Sheffield’s Access to Sheffield Summer School comes in.

Thanks to the Law Family Ambition Programme, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in university life at Sheffield, participating in a range of academic and social activities with other students from across the UK. They develop valuable transferable skills for university life and employment, experience university-level teaching and increase their confidence in preparation for university. Those who complete the Summer School can also benefit from a contextual offer to study at Sheffield.
 

The Law Family Ambition Programme has also provided work placements, to give pupils hands-on experience in their chosen career path. A particular focus for this has been given to medical and dental positions, which see an especially low number of entrants from widening participation (WP) backgrounds.

Students in younger year groups are also benefiting from Law Family Ambition Programme support. Delivered in partnership with Grit, the CoacHE programme seeks to equip participants with key skills for success in higher education, including academic self-efficacy, motivation, effective study strategies, and a strong sense of belonging. CoacHE gives students a safe space where they can be listened to, speak openly and engage. 

Starting university

After making the decision to apply to university, and successfully passing their exams, the next concern for many young people is whether they can afford to go to university. 

Without the benefit of having financial support from friends and family, it can be a real struggle to make ends meet, even with student grants and part time jobs. That is where the Experience Sheffield Scholarships come in.

The University offers over 300 undergraduate scholarships each year, and in addition to which the Law Family Ambition Programme funds a further 30 scholarships. The scholarships help with living costs, reducing financial worries, and allowing the students to focus on their studies and enjoying all that university life has to offer. We know these make a big difference because students have told us:

Wellbeing and belonging workshops take place to encourage a sense of belonging and inclusivity in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Students have a named contact for support, including 1:1 sessions and organised group activities both on & off campus. 

Learn more about support for current students

Preparing for work

With their studies successfully underway, the programme now turns to helping students prepare to take their knowledge and qualifications and put them to use.

Through extensive networking, mentoring, placements and employability workshops, the Law Family Ambition Programme provides a variety of ways to help students decide where they want to take their career. 

Students will be given the opportunity to be mentored by alumni. The alumni advisors will be at different stages and levels of seniority. From alumni who graduated a few years ago who will have recently gone through the recruitment cycles so know what employers are expecting, to senior leaders who are shaping the direction of multinational organisations and the sector itself. 

Career support and mentoring

As an Ambition Scholar you will have tailored support which includes:

• One to one career advice & guidance
• Internships and placement support
• Employer networking events
• A 100-hour paid internship within the University or with local businesses and support to access year-long work placements if desired.
• Coaching and career mentoring opportunities, offering an opportunity to connect with an alumni mentor who's working in a role or sector they're interested in.

The mentoring scheme runs across a semester with around one exchange per week for 7-10 weeks. Mentors support students in their career journeys by sharing their experiences, providing practical advice and helping students develop their skills. Primarily carried out online, these mentoring partnerships frequently blossom into great partnerships, often continuing after the end of the scheme and leading to great career opportunities.

Together, the Law Family Ambition Programme provides a clear and comprehensive support scheme to help students from some of the most disadvantaged backgrounds change their lives. All this is done by showing them they have the skills and talent necessary, and by supporting them to nurture their abilities, and take the next steps to achieve their ambitions themselves.