Since August 2017, Make Happen has opened doors for more than 100,000 learners across Essex—empowering individuals to discover their potential and take meaningful steps toward their futures. At the core of this impact are the powerful partnerships built with schools, where shared commitment turns opportunity into reality.
In our series, Voices of Make Happen, we shine a light on these collaborations—hearing directly from school partners across the county as they share their journeys, insights, and the difference this work is making in their communities.
The latest in this series is an interview between one of our Outreach Officers, Iustina Popa, and Kelly Montgomery at Ormiston Park Academy.
Expand each interview question to hear what Kelly has to say …
Can you tell us how your partnership with Make Happen first began, and what made you want to get involved?
Kelly: Before I became careers lead at our school, there had been some connections with Make Happen. I reconnected with them via our local contact. Once I had taken part in the first Make Happen event and realised how great they were I have tried to sign up to as many as possible.
From your perspective, what impact has Make Happen had on your students so far?
Kelly: Make Happen events have had a huge impact on so many of my students. The University campus visits are nearly always the first ever visit to this type of establishment and opens our students’ eyes, raising aspirations and debunking myths that University may not be within their grasp. Our school budgets are extremely tight so funding towards transport costs enable us to attend events that we would never normally have the opportunity to attend. Students always come away from Make Happen events inspired and motivated to do well.
Are there any particular projects or events from the partnership that really stood out to you or your students?
Kelly: The Future Thinking programme is excellent where students are engaged across 6 weeks. The programme targets those middle band students who often miss out on other opportunities. Some of my Year 10 students are currently at the Gear Up University Easter Taster and are having an ‘AMAZING’ time (they have messaged me this!). Make Happen open doors in areas of deprivation, that may have previously been closed.
How has working with Make Happen supported your school’s wider goals around progression and student success?
Kelly: Working with Make Happen enables me to enhance our careers provision enormously. With no real budget, we can only engage in funded opportunities and Make Happen offer so many quality experiences that are all fully funded. I am able to put in place opportunities for every child at my school to experience a day at a university, across their 5-year journey, solely through Make Happen.
What would you say to other schools who are thinking about getting involved with Make Happen?
Kelly: Do not hesitate to get involved. Make Happen are extremely professional, have inspirational staff and their programmes and events are exceptional quality.
Thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us, Kelly! If you would like to be a future ‘Voice of Make Happen’ please get in touch with your link Make Happen Outreach Officer – we would love to hear from you!
By Iustina Popa, Outreach Officer at Make Happen