In the community

With an annual budget of almost £203million and more than 2,000 staff, Kingston University is one of the town's largest employers and makes a significant contribution to the national economy (£920million annually).

Our academics and researchers provide knowledge and expertise to local organisations such as Hampton Court Palace and the Metropolitan Police to help them innovate and become more competitive.

The University provides a higher education to many local young people (nearly half our students come from within a 10-mile radius of Kingston), as well as offering older residents an opportunity to further their studies. Every year more than 6,000 students graduate from the University, providing a much-needed skilled workforce for the region.

The University contributes hugely to the region's cultural, educational and social life both through public lectures, exhibitions and performances and by opening up its sporting, health, conference and other facilities to local residents, businesses, and community organisations. The University was instrumental in bringing the Rose Theatre to Kingston, and continues to offer it financial and artistic support. For more information read our Civic Engagement review (PDF).

Kingston University is committed to supporting learners at all stages of their educational journey, working with schools, colleges and community groups to provide opportunities for new experiences and encourage curiosity. The University was awarded funds by the Higher Education Funding Council to invest in a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Outreach Centre and two mobile laboratories (each known as a 'lab in a lorry') to use for outreach events to support and inspire young people to be the best that they can be. Kingston University was the NEON University of the year in 2016 for widening access, social mobility and inclusion. The University's work around inclusive curricula received the Guardian 2017 University Award for teaching excellence.

Our staff and students are active in the local community, offering 3,500 hours of service to good causes each year through our award-winning volunteering scheme. We also have an extensive school visiting programme, offering educational support and encouraging local children to aim for university, particularly those whose families have no previous experience of higher education.

We celebrate in the rich diversity of our staff and students, which we want to share with the wider community. Through our One Kingston equality strategy, we look to host projects, events and civic engagements that promote diversity and inclusion.

The University's head of equality, diversity and inclusion sits on the executive board of the Kingston Race and Equalities Council (KREC), which aims to support individuals who are experiencing racial harassment and discrimination, as well as being involved in Kingston's various community engagement projects.

We have opportunities for members of the community to get involved in our mentoring schemes, Beyond Barriers. The mentoring schemes look to give students and staff from under-represented groups the best chance to succeed in their study or work, by pairing them with experienced professionals from the University or the wider community. We actively seek professionals to mentor our students and we encourage opportunities to collaborate on staff mentoring schemes too. To take part, contact us at beyondbarriers@kingston.ac.uk.