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The College’s unique Research Project will aim to investigate the lived experience of non-traditional students at the College

Lucy Cavendish has a 50 year tradition of being the College that admits talented individuals from non-traditional and under-represented backgrounds. We aim to provide the best of Cambridge’s education and research to all students. 

To make sure that all new students get a great start at Cambridge and thrive academically and personally from the very first week of their courses, Lucy Cavendish College designed ‘Research Project’, a revolutionary new programme, alongside the already established and successful ‘Bridging Course’. With your help, during LucyGives Giving Week this could all be possible!

This will be a data-based ongoing research project, and will gather evidence to support frameworks that the College is putting in place to make sure students achieve their maximum potential (such as our career initiative in collaboration with the University Careers Service and support for enterprising scholars).

As part of this programme the college will establish a student co-led research programme to investigate the lived experience of non-traditional students at the College.

A Research Project Coordinator will be employed to oversee the programme, and at least two student Co-researchers from each Tripos will be paid to contribute to the study, recording and submitting their experiences in the form of diary entries. 

Madeleine Atkins, Lucy Cavendish President, comments: “This should help identifying the issues faced by those from under-represented backgrounds leading to finding and implementing solutions, ensuring barriers to success are removed. Students will enter their second and third years empowered, with confidence and the ability to succeed.”

10 gifts of £360 cover the participation expenses of all student Co-researchers each term, so that we can generate ground-breaking primary research and ensure we can widen participation in a truly authentic and impactful way

10 gifts of £2600 cover the salary of a Research Project Coordinator for one year, ensuring findings help improve students’ experiences for decades to come

To get involved and to show your support please visit lucygives.lucy.cam.ac.uk