Forvis Mazars in the UK enters third year of its partnership with education charity IntoUniversity
The partnership, which aims to increase access to education and promote social mobility, has already completed two successful years. Forvis Mazars team members have given hands-on support through volunteering, sharing their professional skills and personal experiences with 829 students (aged 12 -19) over two years. Volunteering initiatives included dynamic business simulations, career workshops, a hackathon and a Dragon’s Den challenge. The aim is to inspire and empower participants to expand their aspirations for future higher education.
Team members have also acted as mentors to guide Year 13 students through their transition to university, in a programme that spans 18 months, beginning with the university application process and running through to the end of the first university term.
To further support this partnership, the Mazars Charitable Trust has funded support for a further 491 students across the UK to date by donating £60,000 and a further £40,000 pledged for Year 3. This funding has enabled IntoUniversity to deliver a series of immersive workshops aimed at supporting aspiration, educational attainment, and the development of human skills.
During the first year, funding support helped IntoUniversity staff work with 237 students aged 9-10, to deliver workshops designed to encourage student aspirations and knowledge of higher education. In the second year, funding support enabled 189 students to take part in the Business in FOCUS programme and 65 students to take part in the Careers in FOCUS programme.
Phil Verity, CEO at Forvis Mazars in the UK said: “Enabling children and young people who are experiencing disadvantage to understand that they have options for higher education or for university is incredibly important, and that is why we are delighted to be entering into our third year of partnership with IntoUniversity. We believe in the transformational power of education to shape more inclusive societies that can thrive in an ever-changing world, and we are immensely proud to be helping young people achieve their aspirations as they strive to reach their full potential.
Tatham Crawford-Lennox, Director of People & Culture at Forvis Mazars in the UK said: “Our partnership with IntoUniversity is a key strand of our commitment to support and empower those in our communities. Our partnership with IntoUniversity is a highlight for our team and supports the work of our Early Careers team and our social mobility network, SoMobile. In a short space of time, it’s clear to see the impact made by our volunteers and we look forward to continuing this important partnership as we enter into our third year.
Lesley Fox, Chair of the Mazars Charitable Trust said: “We were very impressed by the presentation from IntoUniversity and the tangible impact they are having on young people’s lives across the UK. As our first long-term strategic partnership, it’s been wonderful to witness its progress and impact. Enabling social mobility and inclusion is a key focus area for the Mazars Charitable Trust, and we are proud to support IntoUniversity’s work."
Dr Rachel Carr OBE, Founder & Chief Executive, IntoUniversity said: "We're really grateful to Forvis Mazars in the UK for their ongoing support, which has a direct and positive impact on the young people we work with. This corporate partnership is so important to us as an organisation. Not only does it provide us with much needed financial support, but it also gives us the opportunity to provide enriching, practical workshops for young people where they can access corporate environments and engage with corporate volunteers from a variety of roles across multiple locations where Forvis Mazars is based. Thank you so much to everyone at Forvis Mazars for driving this partnership forward and prioritising social mobility."