Transforming equity in university applications
Belonging, perception and pathways into STEM education examines how social belonging, representation and exposure to role models shape young women’s educational choices and pathways into STEM.
The report brings together evidence and insights to inform action that supports greater participation and progression in STEM education and careers.
Download the report.
About the project
We collaborated with researchers Dr Kartik Vira and Dr Nagisa Tadjfar on a project to explore how young people make decisions about their university applications.
The research involved more than 20 schools and focused on:
- The influence of parents, family, friends and peers on university choices
- Social fit, belonging and perceptions of elite universities
- Educational inequality and social mobility
- Widening participation through increased exposure to universities and graduate role models
- Understanding barriers affecting application decisions among students from underrepresented backgrounds.
You can read their full findings in their paper, Friends in Higher Places: Social Fit and University Choice.
Watch the webinar on demand
We hosted an open webinar for stakeholders across education and industry to explore the project's findings and discuss their implications for STEM education.