College partners with the Girls Network

Sunderland College has partnered with The Girls Network to inspire and empower female students from disadvantaged communities.

Six A-Level students from the college’s Sixth Form have enrolled on the programme, which aims to break down barriers to give girls greater access to opportunities whilst challenging stereotypes and building confidence in young women.

Following an introductory session, the students will be matched to a female mentor such as North Star Housing CEO Angela Lockwood and CEO Sleep Out’s Bianca Robinson, who have been carefully selected to match the interests and ambitions of the student.

Throughout the year-long programme, they will engage in a variety of workshops and activities with a diverse range of organisations, gaining an inspirational insight into professional life through work experience, talks and networking events.

Once in the network, the girls can continue to contact female professionals even when they have finished studying as they progress into their own careers.
After signing up, student Emma Dullroy, said: “I cannot wait to start the Girls Network as it will help me develop as a person and will enable me to meet so many inspirational women.”

The opportunity to join The Girls Network has been offered as part of the Careers Education Programme and support that Sunderland College gives to every student to raise their aspirations and increase achievement.

Gillian Brown, Student and Progress Development Manager, added: “This is a really exciting opportunity for our students; The Girls Network has the potential to inspire them to do great things and change their lives forever.

“It is important to get the message out there that no girl should have their future limited by their gender, ethnicity, background or parental income.
We hope the students will look to progress to careers which they had not previously considered, but more importantly become valued members of the community who can make a great contribution now and in the future.”

The Girls Network was established in 2013 as a one-to-one mentoring scheme and now works with more than 1,000 girls each year throughout the UK, connecting them with a mentor and a network of professional female role models.

Stacey Wagstaff, Girls Network Manager for the North East, said: “The introductory session was fantastic, the girls were so enthusiastic and had some great ideas. I am excited to see how they get on and I really think they will make the most of this opportunity.”