29th November 2001

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The University of Ulster's innovative 'Step-Up' programme is to be showcased at a prestigious higher education conference this week.

Director of Step-Up, Dr Damian O'Kane, will be presenting the Magee-based project to hundreds of HE experts on Friday as an example of best practice in the UK.

Step-Up was selected by Universities UK as one of only four leading social inclusion programmes in the whole of Great Britain.

The conference entitled 'Social Class and Participation in Higher Education' looks at the latest strategies by HE institutions to increase recruitment and retention of students from lower socio-economic groups. Damian O'Kane will be explaining how Step-Up has helped children from Derry enter science based courses at Magee.

"There is a wealth of scientific expertise available within local industry, government agencies and the local hospital in both the teaching and research field," said Damian.

"Step-Up has tapped into this valuable resource in order to provide these pupils with the optimal opportunity for success".

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk