Our Students on a Mission To Increase Diversity In Economics Students

Our new outreach programme, devised in collaboration with Discover Economics offers inspiring sessions to target 15-17 year olds delivered by our undergraduate students.

The Discover Economics Student Champion Program is a joint programme run by the Royal Economic Society and the Kent School of Economics and Discover Economics. The campaign targets 15-17 year olds – young people who are making choices about what post 16 qualifications to take and what subjects to study at university or through an apprenticeship. It aims to broaden the appeal of economics to potential students, change their perceptions of economics and economists and attract more students from under-represented groups (women, state school/further education college students and ethnic minorities).

Delivered by trained university students it aims to give young people an introduction to economics by exploring topics including the cost-of-living crisis, the gender pay gap, panic buying, education and economic growth.

‘We want to change the perception of economics among secondary school students, and let them know that economics is not just about money and finance.’ Dr Amrit Amirapu, Senior Lecturer and Outreach lead told us  ‘For this particular incentive our student ambassadors are delivering the programme. Because they’re closer in age, they serve as role models, inspiring the next generation of economists. I’ve been delighted by their performance, they all have really unique ways of presenting, they’re all so different and this really helps to connect with the sixth-form classes.’

What do our students get out of it?

‘We know that the best way to learn is to teach someone else – that’s what our students get when they deliver these in school workshops,’ Gail Fawcett, HSS Outreach Officer told us, ‘but it’s also brilliant for our student’s employability, confidence and gives them transferrable skills they can use when they graduate.’

Suitable for Yr10 and Yr12 students studying math or business, these in-school 1 hour interactive workshops are designed to give your students an insight into studying economics at A level, or degree level, and to introduce them to different economics careers and apprenticeships. If you’re interested in one of these visits, please get in touch here.