An exciting opportunity for young scientists!
EMPower Oxford connects Y10-Y11 students of Black heritage with cutting-edge research and inspiring role models.
Meet scientists, hear their stories, and discover all the amazing things you can achieve in STEM!
EMPower has grown from small beginnings in 2022 into a two year programme for students of black heritage which includes online workshops, academic mentoring and, for some students, a short residential course in Oxford.
The Year 10 Programme
All eligible Y10 students will be invited to attend our online workshops and academic mentoring sessions which will be held in March and May 2025. Our workshops are held from 5:30pm to 6:30pm and introduce students to science and scientists from a range of disciplines, as well as providing study skills support and advice.
2025 Year 10 Online Programme Dates:
- 26th February 2025
- 5th March 2025
- 7th May 2025
- 14th May 2025
- 21st May 2025
Students who sign up to take part in the online programme are expected to commit to the entire Y10 programme and to attend all sessions except in exceptional circumstances.
In addition, students may apply to take part in our Year 10 residential programme which will take place in 2025 (dates tbc). This residential takes place during school term and students will require permission from their schools in order to take part. Students travel to the residential course independently, stay in typical student accommodation and take part in a variety of activities. Families are invited to join us on the Sunday of the course.
Students who attend the residential course are expected to commit to attending the online programme sessions as well as the residential course.
We are also able to process applications mid-programme for students who hear about EMPower after the initial deadlines.
The Year 11 Programme
Our Year 11 Programme of online academic mentoring is open to all eligible Y11 students, with students who took part in the online the residential programmes in Y10, automatically receiving an invitation.
Mentoring session are held from 5:30pm to 6:30pm and provide study skills support and advice for students throughout Y11 and problems will be set in advance of the sessions.
Eligible Year 11 students are welcome to sign up at any point during the year until Friday the 4th April 2025.
2025 Year 11 Online Programme Dates:
- 6th November 2024 (for returning Y10 programme attendees)
- 13th November 2024 (for all Y11 EMPower students)
- 15th January 2025 (for all Y11 EMPower students)
- 2nd April 2025 (for all Y11 EMPower students)
- 30th April 2025 (for all Y11 EMPower students)
After completing the Y11 EMPower programme, EMPower students graduate into our Year 12 Access Programme. You can find out about the events which we run for year 12 students, including taster morning, masterclasses, entrance test preparation courses and more, on our secondary schools page.
More Information
Who is eligible?
Anyone who is in Year 10 or Year 11 at a state school in the UK, who identifies as being of Black African heritage, Black Caribbean heritage, mixed Black heritage or other Black heritage. We’re particularly keen to hear from you if you aren’t totally sure about whether these kinds of sciences are right for you, and want to try some of them out before you choose your A levels.
If we are over-subscribed, we will prioritise applications from students at state schools who are from under-represented backgrounds.
Why should I apply?
The EMPower programmes have loads of opportunities for you to try out Physics, Engineering, and Materials Science, and dig a bit deeper into what these subjects are, exploring whether they might be right for you. If you apply for and are successful in gaining a place on our residential course, you’ll get to stay in one of the University’s historic colleges and during the days you’re here, you’ll have a chance to take part in hands-on workshops.
How much will it cost?
The programme is completely free to take part in, and we’ll cover all your accommodation and meals while you’re staying in Oxford for those students who are successful in gaining a place on the Year 10 residential. We also have some funds available to cover your travel costs, as we don’t want that to be a barrier for anyone.
How can I get in touch if I have any questions?
If you have any questions about this programme, we'd love to hear from you! Email the team on engage@physics.ox.ac.uk
To receive notifications about more of our programmes, please sign up to our access mailing list.