Support our Work with Communities
As a university, we are proud of our strong set of values and this is why we work for the benefit of our communities, at home and on a global scale.
The North-East is rich in talent and potential, yet too many people still face barriers to opportunity. Together, we can take a step change towards a stronger, more confident economic future for our region. Donors can make a difference by supporting our regional IntoUniversity centres, or by supporting our PARTNERS outreach programme.
IntoUniversity centres
Together with our neighbour Northumbria University, we are devoted to creating ambitious new learning opportunities for young people on our doorsteps. This is why we launched a partnership with the national charity IntoUniversity. Each local centre offers a programme that supports young people aged 7 and up to realise their ambitions, achieve their academic potential, develop vital skills and gain experience of the world of work.
Our first centre - IntoUniversity Newcastle East - opened in 2021 and currently works with over 1,000 young people each year, and in November 2025 we launched a second venture across the river in Gateshead.
The IntoUniversity staff are incredible and engage with every child. The most important learning outcome for the young people is the exposure to what Higher Education is, and to show the pupils futures that they had not considered before.
PARTNERS programme
Newcastle University’s PARTNERS Programme is our sector-leading supported entry route into higher education and is an integral part of the University’s role as a Civic University. It offers support and opportunities to help young people from under-represented groups have a successful and enjoyable experience through application, enrolment and study here at Newcastle.
We are proud that since 1999, the Programme has developed from a local cohort of 41 students to a national programme, with over 2,000 students taking part each year. We know it is a programme that works. PARTNERS students consistently outperform their peers from widening participation backgrounds who did not attend the programme.
If you would like to find out more about how you can support our work within our communities, please contact Alexa Charlton at alexa.charlton@ncl.ac.uk.
I found that PARTNERS acted like a springboard, or a crash course to university, to help me feel like I was more on a level playing field. I ended up graduating with a First, and to go from first-gen to first-class feels surreal to think about.
Contact us
If you would like to find out more about how you can support our work within our communities, please contact Alexa Charlton at alexa.charlton@ncl.ac.uk.
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