What is Pioneers?

The Pioneers programme includes two strands designed to empower specific students through interactive workshops, inspiring talks, and engagement with positive role models. One strand is focused on Black African/ Caribbean or mixed students and the other strand targets Bangladeshi/Pakistani or mixed female students. 

Pioneers in STEM

A STEM event designed to empower young people from Black African, Caribbean and mixed-race backgrounds, in year 9 and 10. Students have the opportunity to meet employers as well as STEM role models and university student ambassadors. This event enables students to:

• Gain practical insights into STEM careers and roles.
• Build confidence and recognise their personal skills.
• Hear first-hand from role models in higher education and the STEM industry.
• Discover pathways to rewarding STEM careers.

Date, location and registration information for 2024/25 coming soon.

South Asian Pioneers

A university campus event designed to inspire and empower year 10 Pakistani and Bangladeshi girls through a series of activities aimed at breaking down barriers, encouraging informed decisions about higher education options, self awareness and development of a growth mindset. This event enables students to:

• Hear from ambassadors and individuals with similar lived experiences.
• Gain insight into the benefits of higher education and courses available.
• Hear about the diverse routes into higher education.
• Become aware of the facilities and support available at university.

Date, location and registration information for 2024/25 coming soon.

The impact of Pioneers in 2023/24

In 2023/24, Study Higher organised three campus events with our partner Buckinghamshire New University for specific students through the Pioneers programme, addressing the unique experiences of young people from ethnic minorities/global majorities and supporting higher education progression.

Please see our 2023/24 impact report below.