East Birmingham Student Movement – supported by Pathway Group
At Pathway Group, our mission has always been about fostering social mobility, promoting diversity, and empowering individuals to achieve their potential. This is why we are proud to support the East Birmingham Student Movement (EBSM), a groundbreaking initiative led by Birmingham City University (BCU).
As Co-founder and CEO of Pathway Group and a Community Ambassador for BCU, Safaraz Ali is honoured to play a part in this transformative project. EBSM represents the kind of forward-thinking collaboration we champion—one that provides opportunities for students while delivering tangible benefits to the communities they come from.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment
EBSM is more than just a student project; it’s a movement designed to tackle some of the key socio-economic challenges facing East Birmingham. The initiative connects students, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, with local organisations to engage in meaningful, community-focused work. Through these opportunities, students gain hands-on experience that enhances their employability and develops crucial soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork.
The project’s approach is twofold:
Work Experience
Students take on consistent roles such as front-line service delivery, administration, and community engagement, building their CVs while gaining practical workplace skills.
Community Impact Projects
Students participate in larger collaborative efforts, such as street cleaning or graffiti removal, to improve the local environment while fostering teamwork and leadership.
These activities not only benefit the students but also provide immediate value to East Birmingham, addressing issues like health inequalities, community cohesion, and environmental challenges.
Why EBSM Matters
East Birmingham is a region with significant potential but also notable challenges. Health inequalities, socio-economic disparities, and a lack of access to opportunities have long affected the area. EBSM tackles these issues head-on by combining student development with community impact, creating a win-win scenario.
For students, the benefits are clear. They gain:
- Practical work experience to strengthen their CVs.
- Enhanced leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- A stronger connection to their local community, instilling a sense of pride and responsibility.
For the community, EBSM offers:
- Visible improvements to the local environment through collaborative projects.
- Support for vital local services through student volunteering.
- A stronger network of engaged stakeholders working together for long-term impact.
This dual approach ensures that EBSM doesn’t just create short-term wins but leaves a sustainable legacy for both students and the community.
A Model for the Future
The East Birmingham Student Movement is not just about today’s students—it’s about building a model that can be scaled and replicated in other communities. Its focus on employability, leadership, and community impact aligns with key regional strategies, including Birmingham City Council’s Inclusive Growth Strategy and the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Youth Plan.
For BCU, EBSM strengthens its position as a leader in civic engagement and a university that truly serves its city. For Pathway Group, it reinforces our commitment to fostering talent, driving social innovation, and making a difference where it matters most.
Looking Ahead
At Pathway Group, we are inspired by the potential of EBSM to create lasting change. This initiative is a reminder that real progress happens when we work together—when education, business, and community organisations join forces to tackle challenges and create opportunities.