Session 62: BRIDGE Accelerator: closing the socioeconomic gap through capital development

Abstract

Session overview:

The BRIDGE Accelerator Group at Liverpool Business School is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing disparities in student outcomes by developing students’ capital and reducing barriers to success. With a focus on underrepresented groups, including students from IMD quintiles 1 and 2, service children, care-experienced students, those with mental health conditions, and students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, the programme directly aligns with LJMU’s commitment to inclusivity and equality of opportunity.

Key activities within the BRIDGE Accelerator include:

• Workshops focused on self-efficacy, resilience, and leadership, equipping students with the tools to navigate academic and professional challenges.
• Mentorship programmes that connect students with alumni, faculty, and industry professionals, fostering guidance and real-world insights.
• Networking events designed to bridge the gap between students and employers, enhancing career opportunities and building professional connections.
• Targeted interventions to remove barriers, such as personalised academic support and early engagement initiatives.

The BRIDGE Accelerator is research-driven, using qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the impact of its interventions on student success. It aligns with the objectives of LJMU’s Access and Participation Plan (APP) by addressing gaps in continuation, completion, and progression rates for disadvantaged groups.

This session will explore how BRIDGE supports LJMU’s mission to place students at the heart of everything

Key learning points from this session:

Attendees will learn how targeted, evidence-informed initiatives can attempt to close socioeconomic gaps in student outcomes. They will gain practical insights into delivering impactful mentorship, workshops, and interventions that build resilience, employability, and academic success. The session will also showcase strategies for achieving equity, aligning with institutional Access and Participation Plan goals.

BRIDGE Accelerator: closing the socioeconomic gap through capital development PowerPoint. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.