The RES has agreed new funding to support economics departments in putting on outreach events for school students.
It is increasingly recognised that there is a lack of diversity among undergraduate students studying economics, who are overwhelmingly male and disproportionately from private schools. Part of the problem is the absence of economics teaching in many schools; economics A level, which is the main route into an economics degree, is more likely to be offered in private schools and to boys. But even where it is offered in school, economics lacks broad appeal – possibly reflecting the absence of role models and a narrow perception of what the subject is about. As recent research has shown, reaching out to schools and showing the breadth of issues that economics deals with is one way to try attract a more diverse audience.
A few economics departments have organised outreach events – combining talks, interactive games and networking/career opportunities – and the RES would like to support other departments who are interested in doing the same.
A total of £10,000 is available, for which outline applications should be made by 21 September 2018. Application forms and further information can be obtained from the RES office (resoffice@res.org.uk). Preference will be given to events aimed at increasing diversity in undergraduate economics students (based on gender, ethnicity, schools targeted, etc).
How to apply
If you would like to apply for the initiative, please download and complete our application form.
Should you be successful you will be notified within four weeks of the closing date. Once your event has taken place, you are able to claim the agreed funding by:
• Submitting a short report on the event (approximately 500 words), along with the event programme.
• Ensuring that all participants complete questionnaires on the value of the event and sharing those results with the RES, with a covering summary of responses.
• Providing a set of accounts showing income and expenditure once the event is over.
• Providing evidence of all the methods used to publicise the Royal Economic Society and its support for the event (e.g. display the Society’s logo at the event, in event literature and mentioning its support at the opening and closing of events.)
