Access and Outreach

WELFARE AND LIBERATION

Hi there! I’m Sara and I’m your JCR Access & Admissions officer for 2024/25 academic year! Below is some information about access and outreach at St Catharine’s and all the exciting opportunities we offer! Do not hesitate to contact me at jcr.access@caths.cam.ac.uk

Access and Outreach at St Catharine’s

Getting involved in access and outreach is a great opportunity to help create a positive and lasting impact both at a college level and a university level, and it can look great on your CV. Access is really important at Catz, and so there are lots of ways to get involved (and keep an eye out on the JCR Facebook page for more up to date opportunities):

 

Target Initiative  

The Cambridge SU Target initiative encourages current Cambridge undergraduates to visit state schools across the country to talk about the Cambridge admissions process, life in Cambridge, and anything else the students might want to know. Getting involved in Target allows students to help break down myths about Cambridge by talking directly to students, and you can find out more by following this link (where you can access plenty of resources and sign up as a volunteer) Target Schools (cusu.co.uk), or by dropping me an email.   

 

Zero Gravity 

Zero Gravity is a mentoring scheme which connects students from disadvantaged backgrounds with students at Oxbridge. It is really low commitment, but a really rewarding experience. To find out more go to the Zero Gravity website - Zero Gravity | Unleash your university ambition.  

 

Cambassador  

CAMbassadors is a university wide access scheme where students support the Cambridge Admissions Office in running a range of outreach events from school visits, to teacher events (Catz Ambassadors but this time it’s university wide)! There is an application/interview process involved to become a mentor – find out more about applying at this link: CAMbassadors | Cambridge Admissions Office. There is an hourly rate of pay for CAMbassadors involved in outreach events and commitment is very much down to the individual student! 

 

Catz Ambassadors 

 ‘Catz Ambassadors’ are students on the College’s mailing list who’d like to help with events for prospective students and school groups. Catz Ambassadors are offered paid opportunities throughout the year which they can sign up to, including: 

  • Being a welcoming face at University and College Open Days and Subject Taster events (online or in person)

  • Giving tours of Catz and chatting to prospective students in College

  • Helping with webinars for school students of various ages

  • Taking part in informal Q&A panels

  • Giving reassurance to nervous applicants during the interview period

  • Joining the Outreach Team on visits out to schools

Ambassadors helping with multi-day events in College or in schools are given free accommodation and meals. Travel costs within the UK are also paid for if ambassadors need to travel to College outside of term or to schools. Ambassadors are paid £10/hour (typically £11.21 with holiday pay) for their work at events and there’s lots of chances to work throughout the year. There’s never any obligation to help with an event if you’re having a busy week! There will be more opportunities to sign up to the mailing list and attend training next academic year – so keep an eye out, and if you have any questions, feel free to get in contact with Kathryn Singleton, the College’s Outreach Manager: outreach.manager@caths.cam.ac.uk.

If you have any questions about getting involved in Access and Outreach at Catz, please do not hesitate to contact the JCR Access and Admissions Officer at jcr.access@caths.cam.ac.uk