Make Happen is part of the national Uni Connect programme. We work with schools and colleges across Essex to help young people from underrepresented backgrounds make informed choices about higher education. Our 2025-26 outreach is clear, targeted, practical, and we aim to work alongside teachers.
Our outreach aims to close gaps in higher education participation by focusing on two main challenges: giving students access to good information, advice and guidance (IAG), and helping them build the confidence to apply to higher education and consider all their options. For teachers, this means structured activities based on evidence that support careers education and fit with school priorities.
In 2025-26, we are prioritising strategic and targeted outreach where it has the greatest impact. For years 9-12, activity is focused on underrepresented groups, with whole-year engagement offered where cohorts include over 40% of students from these backgrounds. For year 13 learners, we offer broader activity, supporting transition and progression at a critical decision point.
Progressive projects will run mainly in the Autumn and Spring terms, allowing sustained engagement, while larger flagship events such as our collaborative summer school will take place in the summer term.
A key strand of our work is attainment raising. We are delivering a five-week programme for mid-attaining Year 9 students, focusing on metacognition and transferable study skills, culminating in a campus visit. This project is designed to support classroom learning while helping students build confidence and aspiration early.
Teachers will also see the benefit of our signposting role. With staff embedded across partner universities and colleges, Make Happen acts as a single point of contact for trusted local and importantly, impartial outreach. Our website, newsletters and direct school links help careers leads and teachers quickly identify relevant opportunities without adding to workload.
Crucially, our strategic outreach is shaped by data, evaluation, and long-standing collaboration with schools. By standardising proven activity and focusing resources on delivery, we aim to make engagement straightforward, consistent and impactful, supporting teachers to help every student see higher education as a realistic and achievable option.
By Annika Burges, Senior Outreach Officer at Make Happen