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StateElevate
Our Mission
At StateElevate, we collaborate with state schools across the North East of England to provide free one-to-one mentorship for students in applying to competitive UK universities. We pair undergraduates from universities such as Oxford, LSE and Imperial with students from North East schools and colleges, alongside providing financial support. This year we are connected with 10 schools, mentoring 150+ students with the help of 100+ mentors.
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The North East of England historically has some of the lowest higher education application rates in the country, particularly for the most selective universities. Even at highly-ranked regional universities like Durham, only about 10% of students are from the North East, the lowest proportion of any UK institution.
Our main objective is to break down barriers for state school students in the North East of England when applying to top universities, to encourage ambition and to ensure that success is measured by ability, not background.
Our Initiatives
Co-Founder Grace speaking on social mobility at the House of Lords, pictured with Lord Syed Kamall.
Mentorship
Mentors provide personalised advice and resources, helping students to navigate their academic journeys effectively. Students receive at least 3 rounds of 1-to-1 feedback on their personal statements via zoom. If they are an Oxbridge or interview university applicant, we also provide them with a mock interview. Students also receive mentoring through admissions tests and general university advice, and a document full of experiences, books, and podcasts to help add depth to their personal statement over summer.
Training
All mentors go through a formal training process. StateElevate funds GDPR training for every mentor, alongside 2 levels of safeguarding training, to ensure our organisation runs smoothly. If things go wrong, we have a designated Data Protection Officer (DPO).
Financial Support
We believe that financial circumstances should never be a barrier to accessing higher education. That is why we offer a range of tailored support to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.​
We provide funding for students facing the cost of mandatory university admissions tests, such as the LNAT, UCAT, ESAT, and TMUA, that are not covered by their school. Thanks to a generous donation from Paul Leamy, every law student is entitled to The Leamy Grant. Our discretionary Emergency Fund is here to help with those financial hurdles that could otherwise disrupt your journey.
Our Socials
We interview professionals, produce articles, and publish opportunities. See below for more by clicking the logos!
Past The Postcode: Our Podcast
We produce interviews with professionals, so state school students in the North East (and beyond) can learn directly from people who've walked their path. We know what it's like growing up in the North East. You don't always have the connections, the fancy postcode, or the "right" background. But that doesn't mean you don't belong in elite spaces - you just need someone to show you how.
Our Instagram
Our Instagram contains what we get up to day to day, exciting opportunities, and our meetings with important figures.
"Always pay it forward, take risks, and never be a shy bairn"
Ben Baxendale Smith, PhD Student in Defence Studies Research at King's College London, Senior Policy Advisor to Members of Parliament
