Pathways to Law Mentoring
Undergraduate Law students have been mentoring sixth form and college students on the Sutton Trust Pathways to Law programme hosted by Newcastle University. Pathways to Law is designed to support Y12 and Y13 students from under-represented backgrounds who are interested in a career in law.
The programme aims to demystify the university experience and provide valuable insight into the legal profession through activities such as academic taster sessions, professional insight events, and work placements at law firms and/or chambers. Mentors are on hand to support their mentees throughout the duration of programme, helping them with their skills development and confidence building at in-person events, and offering guidance via an online messaging platform where they answer questions and share their own experiences. Mentors also have the opportunity to assist with nationally hosted events, including the Pathways to Law Summer Conference at Warwick University and the Inner Temple Insight Day in London, where they support their mentees and students from the wider Pathways to Law programmes across the country.
The help from mentors throughout the programme has been valuable... The mentors taught us that the best way to overcome [being overwhelmed at university] is through time management, which I will follow, to ensure that I thrive throughout the course.
Our student mentors really value the experience of being a mentor and developing together with their mentees.
"Being a mentor for the Sutton Trust Programme has been a profoundly rewarding experience. In this role, I guide and support young individuals from diverse backgrounds as they navigate their educational and career journeys. I facilitate discussions, provide insights into various industries, and help them set achievable goals.
I learn from the fresh perspectives and aspirations of my mentees, which keeps me motivated and connected to current trends. Witnessing their growth and success brings a sense of fulfilment and reinforces my commitment to fostering equity in education. Overall, mentoring is a mutually beneficial journey of growth, learning, and inspiration."
S. Ali
