The 93% Club was founded at the University of Bristol in 2016 and is now the UK’s largest social mobility network for students that come from state educated backgrounds.
The club was founded by the rather remarkable Sophie Pender, who like many us felt that
“When I got to university I realised that the hard part wasn’t getting in, it was fitting in.”
Sophie has a similar story to many of us at the Library Peer Network; she grew up on a council estate from a single parent household, attended a school where 30% achieved a grade C or above in their GCSE’s. But despite that was the first in her family to attend University and the first in her school’s history to achieve straight A*’s.
When I think of Sophie, I think of the student’s in the Library Peer Network and organisations such as the 93% Club have the potential to revolutionise the way in which society views people from underrepresented backgrounds. I urge any reader who feels that they resonate with this message to join the club.
The name, 93% Club comes from the huge disparity between those who are state educated and those in top professions; those from state educated backgrounds make up 93% whereas those privately schooled represent merely 7%. But despite this, 74% of judges, 61% of distinguished doctors and over 50% of Cabinet members were privately educated.
The 93% Club aims to level the playing field.
Events
They provide opportunities for you to network with professionals within a field you’re interested and develop skills through:
- Expert Panels
- Industry Talks
- Workshops
All future events can be found via Eventbrite. Previous events include “How to get into Journalism with Beth Staton” (she is a reporter for the Financial Times), “Law in Northern Cities with Pinsent Masons”, “Tips, Tricks and Psychometrics” from a financial professional.
93% Club Manchester
“The 93% Club Manchester will provide inclusive access to wider opportunities including CV advice, skills workshops and networking events, to inspire students to overcome the societal barriers that could restrain your progress and prevent your entry into top professions. We believe that it should be the talent of an individual that results in them achieving a job offer, rather than their social status and background.
We believe that everyone has the right to achieve their goals and aspirations, irrespective of your environment or background! The club is a space for all students alike to feel welcome and be part of a growing community while at The University of Manchester.”
(Taken from The 93% Club — Manchester Webpage)
Meet the President — 93% Club Manchester
Joshua Best is from Hackney and is the Founder and President of the 93% Club Manchester and is also a final year Politics, Philosophy and Economics student.
We did an interview with Joshua Best which can be found here, In Conversation with… Joshua Best from the 93% Club.
How to sign up
“Join us if you want to be part of a community that will assist you in reaching your goals, empower you and help build your confidence, regardless of your background or degree subject. Whether you are an aspiring doctor, engineer, scientist, banker, carer, lawyer, teacher, or anything else for that matter; The 93% Club will be here to support you on your journey!” (Taken from The 93% Club — Manchester Webpage)
To sign up you need to fill in the 93% Club Manchester Membership Form.
Check out their social media accounts: