Developing Support For Estranged Students in Higher Education
We believe that students who are estranged from their families, who are studying without the support or approval of a family network, should not be held back from succeeding in Higher Education.
We know that the estranged students who reach your institutions often throw themselves wholeheartedly into studying. Many are determined that a lack of material and emotional support and/or approval from their family will not act as a disadvantage. Yet, despite being forcefully resilient internally, these students drop out of HE at a rate that is three times higher than the average student.
The pledge helps institutions to develop support and enable these brave young students to stay resilient.
Pledging to Stand Alone would mean that you are publically committing your institution to supporting students who are studying without the support or approval of a family network. A member of your institution's SMT (VC/PVC/Principal) starts the process by writing a one-page letter of commitment to us.
Having taken the Pledge your institution will work towards creating the right environment and conditions for estranged students to complete their course by improving support mechanisms in our four key areas.
To find out how to take the Pledge please go to the FAQ section
Download the Guide below for more information including examples of support for estranged students:
