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Aimhigher, the government initiative to encourage wider participation in higher education, is looking to recruit Sussex students for a new mentoring programme being rolled out this month. 

The Aimhigher Associate scheme aims to build long-term links between university students and school/college pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to help raise educational aspirations. 

Undergraduates will be recruited to become associates, using their personal experience to encourage and support pupils as young as 13 to make the most of their talents. 

Student associates would ideally be from a non-traditional academic background themselves and should be able to commit to at least 40 hours between November 2009 and April 2010, as well as two training days in either October or November. Associates will be paid £900 in two lump sums - one half-way through the contract, the second at the end. 

David Lammy, Minister of State for Higher Education, said: "We have invested £21 million in supporting Aimhigher Associates so that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds can meet with mentors who can give them a better understanding of what university is like, and guide them through the application process." 

Debra Vice Holt, Acting Director of Aimhigher Sussex, commented: "Aimhigher Associates will add to the diverse range of activities delivered locally as well as building on our successful mentoring programme in Sussex." 

Interviews will take place from 19 October, where potential recruits will be asked to give a five-minute presentation about their transition from school to university. Second year students are particularly suited to this role due to the time commitments involved. 

For more information and to apply for the scheme, email l.duncan@brighton.ac.uk