This gives secondary school pupils the opportunity to become acquainted with the academic field in an accessible way. On the one hand, by conducting research and, on the other hand, by reflecting on their personal development. This is done under the guidance of a paraprofessional and experienced expert: a university student, and guided by the questions: What are my qualities? What would I like to achieve? What suits me?

The structure

The PSP consists of 10 meetings during a school year. The PSP offers guidance on two levels: 

• The academic path:
  Exploring and becoming familiar with scientific processes. This will be done by introducing students to empirical research under supervision.
• The personal path:
  Secondary school pupils discover and develop their skills and core qualities and, with that, their identity, which is still very much in formation. While working on the research project, pupils will gain important experiences that will influence their personal path. The two paths therefore influence each other.

Location: The meetings will take place at both the secondary schools and Leiden University. Depending on the participating schools, this may be in Leiden or The Hague.

The results of the project and the knowledge and experiences gained will be presented by the secondary school pupils themselves during a festive closing ceremony.

The relationship with the PSP does not end for students when they start their final year. Contact is maintained digitally. The choice is up to the student whether they want to study in Leiden (in addition, students can enrol in the Pre-University College of Leiden University).

Please note: If they choose Leiden University, they have already overcome a major hurdle that stands in the way of a good start to their studies: from the beginning of their studies, they have access to a connecting network via the POPcorner – and a well-functioning buddy system that is ready to support them in getting off to a good start and connecting with the academic world.

The objective

The general objective of the PSP is to increase the intake of first-generation students and students from diverse cultural groups.

Specific objectives

to increase the academic self-esteem of the target group,
to promote their academic and social skills,
to teach 21st-century skills such as training, learning to reflect, creative thinking, and
daring to take action. 

Operational objective

The operational objective is to teach students about the following themes: What is science and how is it practised? Does this appeal to me? If so, what can I expect? How much effort and commitment will studying require of me? What can the study programme offer me? What is important to me? What do I want to achieve? What do I want to mean to my immediate environment and to society?

Organisation

The Pre-Study Programme is a collaborative programme between:

• the POPcorner FSW,
• the Faculty of Social Sciences,
• the ICLON, 
• various secondary schools in the Leiden/The Hague area,
• And, of course, the students of Leiden University.