DID YOU KNOW? U.S. college graduates are more likely to be employed, with full-time workers making an average of $25,000 more than their peers with high school diplomas. — Supporting educational equity and persistence inspires the fullest realization of professional achievement.
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THE ORGANIZATION Supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access the U.K.’s top universities, The Access Project offers a unique combination of tuition and in-school mentoring that helps teenagers unlock their potential and transform their prospects.
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The Access Project Year 10 students on an Oxbridge Society trip.
Tutoring pays off with students' top placements
In 2021, 67 percent of students earned placement at leading universities, including 10 who placed at Oxbridge and 13 who placed in medical and dentistry programs. Northern Trust volunteers spent 50 hours performing online tutoring for students in English, math and psychology.
Olamide, who grew up in the poverty-stricken area of Southwark, in south London, was driven. She applied to join The Access Project in Year 11, and her dedication and abilities were clear, as she worked hard in classes and took on extracurriculars. But her self-doubt was equally clear.
“I would always undermine my intelligence ... I didn't think I was smart enough to get into Oxford and I didn’t think it would be an institution for me,” she says. “But when I met my tutor, Zeena, she was incredible. I found English such a challenge until my tutor reminded me of how much I could love it!”
She also received support from her in-school university access officer, Muhsina, who encouraged her to attend Oxford workshops and apply to the school. “My parents were jumping off the walls when I got into Oxford. I didn't believe I had got in until I actually got here!”
Students attend an enrichment session in their school.
Students proudly hold A level results cards at the end of their final year in school.
THE ORGANIZATION
Providing comprehensive services to at-risk youth (from kindergarten to age 25) and their families in underserved neighborhoods in south Florida, The Overtown Youth Center (OYC) promotes success across generations.
Stepping up to meet growing pandemic needs
According to OYC CEO Tina Brown, many of the families they serve have the ability to succeed but not the resources. “Our program is dedicated to bridging gaps across sectors in an effort to strengthen and level the playing field for children and families of marginalized individuals.”
Latasha Davis, a recipient of services, says the work they do has been a lifeline, especially during the pandemic. “I can’t thank OYC enough for being my support system,” Davis says. “They provide everything that I need as a single mother to help me with my kids, while trying to provide the basic needs of my family. The after-school programming, homework help, transportation, meals, help through COVID and a new job opportunity has been a game-changer for my life.”
Students participate in a STEM activity.
More than 100,000 meals
5,000 pantry / toiletry items
More than 250 digital connectivity devices
THE ORGANIZATION College Now aims to increase postsecondary educational attainment through college and career access advising, financial aid counseling, and scholarship and retention services. The organization aids those in need from middle school through adulthood, serving more than 30,000 individuals.
College Now Greater Cleveland students receive mentorship and academic support.
Modeling success for students
Through both grants and volunteer time, Northern Trust has helped the organization make a considerable impact. The first two cohorts of students to graduate from its Mentoring Program achieved a 70 percent on-time graduation rate, according to College Now, which exceeds the national average for students from any financial or geographic background. “[My mentor] adapted to the best ways to be in my corner, cheer me on and get me to where I wanted to go, offering help through all the times when I couldn’t see that I needed it,” says Taylor Jones, a scholarship recipient and mentee in the program. “Her support left an indelible mark on my journey through college.”
Northern Trust’s Mike Cogan, president of Wealth Management in Ohio, serves as chairman of the College Now board, and says he enjoys working on a mission different from his daily work. “While the work we do with clients may indirectly benefit the community, it is meaningful to me to be more directly involved in helping make our community better and stronger.”
Providing more for the next generation
“I moved to Ireland with my family 10 years ago. Ireland has been very kind to us, and me personally. When the concept of becoming involved in a charity supporting the educational needs of underprivileged Irish children was introduced to me, it was an easy decision to get involved. I did not have a university education—I started work at the age of 16—so the aims of the charities we support really resonated.”
Student dedication motivates others
“I volunteer and provide mentorship to gifted, high-performing university students. My role is to provide ongoing guidance, and be a sounding board to navigate through university life and gaining employment post-university. I’m motivated by making a positive impact on people around me and encouraging others to do the same to build a more compassionate and understanding society. I am most impressed by the dedication and hard work of the students that I mentor. All are motivated to make a difference.”
