Education charity Future First is launching the first ever Schools Alumni Week this April in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of relatable role models for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We all come from different places, have different experiences, and are surrounded by different people. For lots of young people, these differences present a disadvantage. Future First are here to change that.

Many different forms of disadvantage, such as a child’s residential location, ethnicity, household income, being in care (or being a carer), having additional needs (SEND), or involvement in the criminal justice system, all impact a child’s opportunities. This means that so many young people are missing out on valuable experiences, prospects and invisible networks that alumni can bring. Schools Alumni Week has been launched to address this.

Relatable role models come from all walks of life – and anyone can be one. Future First’s aim is to see every state school and college in the UK, and every state school pupil, supported by a thriving and engaged alumni community, which improves students’ motivation, confidence and life chances.

How to get involved in Schools Alumni Week?

Help to spread the word on social media by tagging Future First and using #SchoolsAlumniWeek in your posts.

Future first have also put together some suggested posts below;

• You can't be what you can't see. We're proud to support @futurefirstorg #SchoolsAlumniWeek and to shine a light on the life-altering impact of relatable role models. Learn more: www.futurefirst.org.uk/schools-alumni-week
• Less than half of 15-year-olds think that 'someone like me' will be successful. We're proud to support @futurefirstorg #SchoolsAlumniWeek in raising awareness of the importance of relatable role models for every young person. Learn more: www.futurefirst.org.uk/schools-alumni-week
• Almost half of the UK’s most disadvantaged pupils don't know anyone in a job they’d like to do. I'm proud to volunteer with @futurefirstorg to change this. #SchoolsAlumniWeek Learn more: www.futurefirst.org.uk/schools-alumni-week
• Young people need 'someone like me' to show them what they can achieve, and relatable role models are the key. I'm supporting @futurefirstorg's #SchoolsAlumniWeek - find out more: www.futurefirst.org.uk/schools-alumni-week