Pioneers
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 British African/ Caribbean or mixed heritage students and the other strand targets British Bangladeshi/Pakistani or mixed heritage female students. An exciting programme of activities is being planned for 2025/26. Please see below for more details.
Inspire to Empower
A university campus event designed to inspire and empower year 9 and 10 Pakistani and Bangladeshi and/or mixed heritage 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: Thursday 30th April 2026
Location: Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe campus
Lunch and transport provided free.
Registration information will be available in 2026. You can contact the Pioneers team at: pioneers.project@brookes.ac.uk
Pioneers in STEM
A STEM event designed to empower young people from Black British African, Caribbean and/or mixed-heritage, in years 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: Thursday 14th May 2026
Location: Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe campus
Lunch and transport provided free.
Registration information will be available in 2026. You can contact the Pioneers team at: pioneers.project@brookes.ac.uk
The impact of Pioneers
Over the past few years Study Higher has organised five 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 annual impact inforgraphics below.
Testimonials
"It was helpful as there was a plethora of speakers who helped me understand university and how to get there. Student help was great as well."
Student
"I now understand how a uni operates and the STEM courses available."
Student
"We had a great time, the young people enjoyed it very much. Great lunch, amazing people around, great teamwork, thank you very much."
School staff member
'Very informative and opened my eyes to new opportunities.'
Student
"[The event made] a great deal of difference, it got them thinking more seriously about their professional future."
School staff member