The members of Essex Court Chambers have for a number of years supported the Social Mobility Foundation (“SMF”), which provides assistance and guidance to high-achieving students from low income backgrounds seeking access to top universities and career opportunities. Members of chambers host and run annual events to help pass on skills and advice, encouraging young students to have confidence to explore the academic study of law and potential future careers in the legal profession.
The SMF provides support in 11 professional sectors, including Law, Politics & Media. Programmes offer supportfor high-achieving Year 12s across the UK, completely free of charge, as follows:
- Mentoring by a professional via email
- Tailored skills sessions and career workshops
- University application support and guidance
- Internships with top employers
The SMF is also running entirely free residential programmes for Year 12 students across the UK interested in Accountancy, Banking & Finance, Engineering, Law and Medicine. APP Residential offers the opportunity to undertake a one or two week internship with a top employer in London with all expenses paid. Whilst on their residential and in addition to the internship, students receive skill sessions and university application support. Their mentor will be from the employer with whom they undertake their placement.
Applications for SMF Programmes are now open. The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 19 December 2016. Further information, including how to make an application, is available online: http://www.socialmobility.org.uk
