What Went Down: Project Access London Summit 2024
Hear from Outreach Officer, Laura Kramer, about her experience at the PA London Summit earlier this month!
Imagine spending a weekend surrounded by passionate individuals, all united by a shared mission: making education accessible to everyone, regardless of background. That’s exactly what the Project Access London Summit delivered—a powerful blend of inspiration, learning, and connection. I had the incredible opportunity to attend it and I’m excited to share some key highlights with you.
From the moment we kicked off with a memorable dinner, where I finally met team members face-to-face after only knowing them virtually, to the "Shaping Our Culture" workshop that reconnected us with our core values, the entire weekend was filled with inspiring conversations and meaningful reflections.
Project Access Vision 2026
The event began with the introduction of Project Access’ Vision 2026, a roadmap for the future of our organization. This plan outlines our goals for the coming years, and it’s clear that we’re aiming higher than ever. The vision will guide us as we continue expanding access to education, making it possible for more students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their academic dreams. It was exciting to see the direction we’re headed in and to feel part of something so impactful.
Learning from Leaders: Keynotes and Panels at Kings College
One of the standout experiences was attending the panels and keynotes during the main event, which offered valuable insights into education, leadership, and policy.
Professor Matt Dickson on Tackling Education Inequality
His thought-provoking keynote and research opened up crucial conversations about the need for more inclusive education policies that empower all students, no matter their background. The talk was a powerful reminder of the structural changes we need to push for to make top-education truly accessible. It sparked several discussions throughout the weekend on how we, as an organization, can contribute to these efforts.
Women in Leadership Panel
This panel was another inspiring part of the summit. Hearing from women who’ve broken barriers in various sectors was both empowering and a strong reminder of the importance of representation in leadership. Their experiences and insights really resonated with me, especially their advice on navigating challenges while staying true to your purpose. These women were living proof that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about resilience, empathy, and making space for others to succeed.
Policy, NGOs & International Relations Panel
An insightful panel where experts from different fields discussed the intersection of policy-making, NGO initiatives, and international collaboration. It was fascinating to see how these areas overlap and influence each other, especially in the context of education. This session broadened my perspective on the global challenges we face and how we can leverage policy and international cooperation to drive real change in educational access.
Celebrating Mentee Success Stories
Perhaps the most touching part of the weekend was hearing the success stories of our mentees. Listening to them share how Project Access has helped them reach top-tier universities was incredibly moving. These are students who, despite facing significant barriers, have achieved their dreams, and it’s a testament to the power of mentorship and support. Their stories weren’t just about academic success, but also about perseverance, hard work, and the belief that no goal is out of reach. It was a powerful reminder of the real impact Project Access has on people’s lives.
Final Thoughts
A huge thank you to everyone who made this weekend possible! I left the summit feeling energized, inspired, and so grateful to be part of this passionate community. The conversations, success stories, and shared vision have left a lasting impression on me, and I can’t wait to continue this journey with Project Access.
Together, we’re working toward a future where education is accessible to all, and I’m proud to be part of that mission. Here’s to empowering the next generation of transformative leaders!