Local businessmen and women are being encouraged to develop the leadership potential of higher education students though a new mentoring scheme.

They will undergo training to mentor the students and there are a number of places left on the training scheme which takes place on 20 and 22 January in Luton.

The Student Leadership Programme is funded through the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills, and designed by the ground-breaking charity Youth at Risk UK, which is working with three universities, including the University of Bedfordshire.

It aims to support students to develop their leadership capacity, maximise their potential to achieve, develop constructive relationships between students across cultural, faith and socio-economic boundaries and minimise students’ risk of dropping out of their studies.

The programme will offer 60 students from the University of Bedfordshire, innovative personal development workshops, regular one to one coaching from the business community and will engage students in community projects to reinforce their skills and links.

Clare Turnbull, Programme Co-ordinator at Youth at Risk, said: “We are still looking for businesses and individuals to encourage their staff to volunteer as coaches for the programme. Volunteers will receive thorough training as part of their commitment to support students at the University of Bedfordshire to fulfil their leadership potential.

“There are many benefits to businesses taking part in the scheme including high level training in coaching for employees giving them transferable skills in the workplace including increased inter-personal skills, leadership capability and creativity in problem solving. They will also be exposed to a diverse cultural and socio-economic mix of students, which will increase cultural sensitivity amongst the workforce and increase the profile of the company amongst a population that could become future employees. And it offers an opportunity for social change and improvement.”

The aim of the new programme is to offer coaching to those students who may be at risk of not fully engaging with their course, but who have potential leadership qualities and provide them with the support and focus that enables them to continue and achieve in their studies and reach their full potential.

Clare added: “The concerted efforts of higher education institutions to attract more students from under-represented backgrounds has brought a welcomed diversity within the student population. However, we understand that a university campus may be an unfamiliar culture to many of these students, with adjusting to university life representing quite a challenge.”

For further information about the Student Leadership Project or to become a volunteer coach contact Clare Turnbull on 07971 891924, or email clare@youthatrisk.org.uk