The facility, located in Salford’s Beacon Centre, is a collaboration between the University of Salford, The University of Manchester and national education charity IntoUniversity. It aims to provide long-term educational support to young people facing disadvantage, who are typically underrepresented in higher education.

Morson’s sponsorship of the new learning centre, as one of a number of donors, “builds on the company’s commitment to STEM skills and social mobility”, a company statement said. The company has already established the Morson STEM Foundation in partnership with the University of Salford, which offers undergraduate scholarships, and is the main financial backer for the Morson Maker Space at the University of Salford. Located in the University’s new £65m Science, Engineering & Environment Building, the Maker Space is a STEM centre designed to provide students with opportunities to innovate and gain hands-on experience of the types of equipment used in the workplace.

Working closely with local schools, businesses and universities, the centre offers long-term support to young people aged 7-18, helping them to discover their focus, build their capabilities and ultimately have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Support offered at the centre includes after-school academic support, mentoring with local university students and professionals, in-school aspiration-raising workshops and enrichment and work experience opportunities. Once established, the centre will support more than 1,000 students per year.

The launch event brought together around 25 students aged 7-18, who will benefit from the centre, their parents and guardians, donors, organisers and local supporters.

Guests were also surprised by a special video message from award-winning comedian and Salford alumnus Peter Kay.

Salford was found to be the 18th most deprived local authority in England, out of 317, according to the government's 2019 Index of Multiple Level of Deprivation. Figures suggest around 22% of children in Salford are living in poverty (Greater Manchester Poverty Action, 2022). Pupils facing disadvantage in Salford are now 22.9 months of learning behind their peers by the time they finish their GCSEs (EPI, 2020), making it a high-priority area for this additional educational support.

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