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Donation creates opportunities for young people in Newcastle 

Northumbria University has received a donation from Siemens Energy to support the IntoUniversity centre in Newcastle – a learning centre helping young people facing disadvantage to progress into higher education and other career pathways.

Siemens Energy is based close to the Newcastle East centre, and is already providing inspiring opportunities to IntoUniversity students with site visits and career focus days.

The Newcastle East centre is a partnership between Northumbria and Newcastle universities and IntoUniversity – the UK’s largest university-access charity. 

The centre was the charity’s first in the North East, which was opened by the partnership in 2021. 

It has had a transformational impact on the lives of more than 2000 young people, with 64 per cent of students in 2024 progressing to higher education compared to the local average of 12 per cent.

The centre enables seven to 18-year-olds to discover their passion for learning, develop essential academic capabilities and skills, and access information and advice to thrive through their educational journey. 

Students engage in a holistic programme of activities, receiving help with homework, coursework, revision, transitioning to secondary school, job applications, interview techniques, career options and preparation for university life. 

They also have the chance to experience enrichment opportunities including employer visits, mentoring by university students and local businesses, work experience and paid internships.

Dan Taylor, Siemens Energy vice president for gas services in the UK and Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to support Northumbria University’s partnership with IntoUniversity, inspiring young people from all backgrounds to achieve their goals.

“The Newcastle East centre is an integral part of our local community, making it a perfect fit for us to provide support. 

“We have already conducted a Careers in Focus session for IntoUniversity students, and look forward to further developing our relationship in the coming years.”

Kenza Benamar, IntoUniversity Newcastle East centre leader, added: “This generous donation to support our young people will help ensure they continue to have access to opportunities to achieve their future goals and aspirations. 

“It was fantastic for students to visit Siemens as part of their Careers in Focus celebration; the organisation is right on their doorstep and we saw high levels of engagement throughout the day.”

IntoUniversity Newcastle East is one of the projects being delivered with money raised by Northumbria University’s fundraising campaign Higher Education Without Barriers. 

Northumbria partners with alumni, businesses and charitable supporters to provide a range of financial initiatives, mental health and wellbeing services, and community-based projects to make participation and progression in higher education more achievable for academically talented students, regardless of their social or economic circumstances. 

To find out more about the programme, contact peter.storey@northumbria.ac.uk 

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