Care Leavers
Are you a care-experienced young person considering going to
university?
Do you work with young people in the care system?
Every year, more and more care-experienced young people
make the decision to go to university. Could it be an option for
you or the young person you work with?
The decision to go to university can be life-changing.
It can open up immense opportunities and offer new
challenges, skills and ways of thinking. It can open up a whole new
future and allow you to make real choices about what you
do with your life.
The University has proudly held the Frank Buttle Trust Quality
Mark since 2008 in recognition of its commitment
towards care-experienced young people entering Higher
Education. In 2010 the University was delighted to be awarded a
continuation of its Frank Buttle Charter Mark status for another 3
years.
There are excellent support systems to
help young people who have been in care within the last 3
years with arranging accommodation, finance and applying
for our Care Leavers Allowance. Potential students applying to York
St John can indicate they are a care leaver on the UCAS form and we
can meet with them to discuss what is on offer for them and
support them through the transition to university life.
We also work in partnership with the York &
North Yorkshire Virtual Schools for Looked After
Children in mentoring young people in schools through the
Aimhigher Associate Mentoring project.
We asked one of our final year students who has
received the Care Leaver / Foyer Bursary to reflect on her time at
York St John. Here is what she said:
"If I had to sum it up in one word I
would say unique!! I have never been to any
other institution where the staff take more time
listening, appreciating and caring about your individual needs than
they do at York St John. I have not only achieved a range of
things during my experience, I have found opportunities to further
my future potential and direct my career path. However, above all
things, I am most grateful for the individuals I have met
whilst at St John's who have encouraged, motivated and changed my
life. I would not have made it through the last three years without
the support and guidance York St John provides."