Access and Outreach

WELFARE AND LIBERATION

Hi! I’m Weronika, and I’m your JCR Access & Admissions Officer for the 2025/26 academic year. My role is all about making St Catharine’s as welcoming and open as possible — both for current students and for those thinking about applying. Below is some information about access and outreach at our college and the many ways you can get involved.

Ways to Get Involved:

Target Initiative  

A Cambridge SU scheme where current Cambridge undergraduates visit state schools across the UK to chat about university life, the application process, and anything else prospective students want to know. It’s a simple but powerful way to help someone see themselves here. You can find plenty of resources and sign up as a volunteer via this link.


Zero Gravity 

A national mentoring programme that pairs you with a student from a disadvantaged background who’s aiming for Oxbridge. It’s low commitment but an incredibly rewarding experience. To find out more, visit the Zero Gravity website.

 

Cambassador  

CAMbassadors is a university-wide access scheme where students help the Cambridge Admissions Office with outreach events like school visits and teacher conferences — similar to Catz Ambassadors but on a university scale. CAMbassadors are paid hourly and commitment levels are flexible to fit your schedule. There’s an application and interview process to become a mentor. For more info and to apply, visit the CAO website.


Catz Ambassadors 

Catz Ambassadors is a college-wide scheme for St Catharine’s students who want to help with events for prospective students and school groups. Ambassadors can take part in paid opportunities such as:

  • Welcoming visitors at Open Days and Subject Taster events (online or in person)

  • Giving tours of Catz and chatting with prospective students

  • Assisting with webinars and Q&A panels

  • Supporting applicants during interviews

  • Joining the Outreach Team on school visits

For multi-day events, accommodation, meals, and UK travel costs are covered by the college. Ambassadors are paid £10/hour (about £11.21 with holiday pay). There’s no obligation to participate if you’re busy, and plenty of chances to get involved throughout the year.


If you have any questions or want to get involved, feel free to email me directly. For more official enquiries, you can contact Emily Lawson-Todd, our Schools Liaison & Outreach Officer, at outreach.manager@caths.cam.ac.uk.