Working with care leaver and estranged students pre-university

We want to attract the most academically able students to our University, regardless of their background. However, we recognise that not all students receive the same level of support, advice and guidance when preparing for, or applying to, university.

The Realise Project's aim is to ensure that care leaver and estranged students are fully supported, and to encourage more young people in care to consider higher education. We also offer a range of opportunities for young people in care to visit the University, to get a taste of what it's like to be a student at Cambridge.

Pre-16 events

Stargazing

17 February 2020 (16:30-20:15)

The Stargazing event is aimed at young people aged 7-14 and consists of the following:

• Tour and 'Introduction to University' workshop
• A visit to the Astronomy department to explore the stars
• University-focused games
• A meal at a University College

Further information and booking details to follow.

Explore University

Explore University events are for young people from a care background aged 12-15 and are held during the school holidays. Participants visit the University for two days and engage with a range of university-related and subject-specific workshops, and other fun activities such as:

• Museum of Zoology tour and workshop
• Engineering workshop
• Trying a new sport at the Sports Centre
• Project Lego Enterprise task
• Neuroscience workshop
• A meal at a University College

Further information and booking details to follow.

SuperStar Workshops

The Realise Team offers one-day events aimed at young people aged 7 to 11. These typically run from 10:00 to 15:30.

Future dates are yet to be confirmed.

Post-16 events

Enrichment events at the University

If you are studying for your post-16 qualifications and are considering applying to a university like Cambridge or would like to find out more about a specific subject, the following events might be for you. For further support on exploring your subject beyond the curriculum, you may wish to refer to our HE+ website:

• University and College Open Days
• Subject Masterclasses
• Cambridge Science Festival

Further information

To cover the cost of travel to attend events at the University, we offer a Travel Fund to those aged 16 or above, who are currently in local authority care or from a care background. We also have an Interviewee Travel Fund scheme for applicants from a care background who have been invited to interview. See Open Day and Event Travel Fund for more information.

For all other enquiries, please contact the Realise Team (realise@admin.cam.ac.uk).