Birkbeck launches Amplify in partnership with CD&R Foundation to drive change for Black student success and employability

A new initiative has been launched at Birkbeck to tackle persistent inequalities in student success and graduate outcomes for Black and Black mixed heritage students.

Amplify, which was launched in November last year, is supporting Black and Black mixed heritage students to succeed academically, build confidence and progress into graduate employment through dedicated events, networks and placement opportunities. The initiative is delivered in partnership with The CD&R Foundation, whose support is enabling a new programme of flexible micro-placements designed to widen access to professional experience.

Birkbeck has developed Amplify to advance the institution’s strategic goals in its Access and Participation Plan 2025/26-2029/30, providing focused, sustained support to help close gaps in completion, attainment and progression into graduate employment.

Baldeep Hothi, Career Programme Manager at Birkbeck, said: “Amplify is about closing the gap between education and opportunity. We know Black students have the talent, ambition and drive, but what’s too often missing is access to networks, confidence-building experiences and meaningful routes into graduate work. This programme exists to change that and to make sure students leave Birkbeck not just with a degree, but with clarity, confidence and real career momentum.”

The programme, delivered by Birkbeck’s Student Success and Careers & Enterprise teams, aims to reduce gaps in completion and attainment, strengthen students’ sense of belonging and build confidence, resilience and professional identity. It also focuses on enhancing employability through skills development, careers insight, networking opportunities and access to work-based learning.

It kicked off with a launch event in November, bringing together students keen to learn and share experiences. Students took part in icebreakers, group discussions about their expectations from the programme and team-building activities. Baldeep said: “From the start of the session, students arrived ready to engage, creating an atmosphere of palpable energy.”

Amplify participant Rachel said: “I really enjoyed meeting the other students and especially loved the team activity. It was a great way to break the ice and collaborate. I'm incredibly excited for the journey ahead with the Amplify programme.”

Over the coming year, Amplify will deliver a programme of structured activity focused on employability development, career insight and real-world experience. Core elements will include skills workshops, employer-led sessions, networking opportunities and reflective practice, all designed to support students at different stages of their career journey. Each term will feature regular one-to-one sessions and two social events for participants to connect in a relaxed environment. The second term, from January to March, is focused on helping participants to build their networks and meet industry professionals.

A key feature of the programme for the year ahead will be the introduction of funded micro-placements, supported by Birkbeck partner, The CD&R Foundation. These flexible placements will provide students with meaningful exposure to professional working environments without the barriers often associated with longer or unpaid opportunities.

Randy Moore, Foundation President, CD&R Foundation, said: “Amplify supports students in building confidence, developing practical skills and navigating pathways into employment. The programme closely aligns with the CD&R Foundation’s mission of advancing equity through opportunity and reflects our broader belief that improving employability outcomes requires real-world exposure and sustained support.

“We hope Amplify students leave the programme and Birkbeck with greater confidence, clearer career pathways and powerful professional networks. We are proud to be a part of this work and value the impact it is having at Birkbeck and beyond.”