Changing the game. Closing the gaps. One student. One institution at a time.
Partners
What We Do
We are a multi-award-winning social enterprise grounded in both research and lived experience.
Through holistic leadership programmes and trust-based partnerships with students and institutions, we empower students by integrating leadership development, community engagement, and policy.
Universities
Employers
Students
Alumni & Friends
The OfS described the Ethnicity Awarding Gap as one made of “unexplainable factors”
The sector has been called upon to take the relevant “steps ‘to eliminate the unexplained gap in degree outcomes (1sts or 2:1s) between white students and black students by 2024-25, and to eliminate the absolute gap (i.e. the gap caused by both structural and unexplained factors) by 2030-31” – The OfS
Though this might be unexplainable to the sector, we have a hunch about what’s going and we can show you what we’re doing about it.
Here’s What We Know
What We Know
At sector level there is an 18.5% Black Awarding Gap in the UK. (WONKHE, AdvanceHE)
Black students are more likely to drop out of university than any other student group. (Social Market Foundation)
What We’re Doing About it
72% of KINSIS delegates graduate with a 2:1/1st class.
94% attribute the Trusted Guide™ support of KINSIS and their programming as a primary determinant of their staying in university and completing their degrees.
What We Know
There is a 24% point disparity between Black and White degree attainment for students who have declared a mental health condition. Black students are less likely to report a mental health condition to their University, due to a number of barriers. (OfS, WONKHE)
What We’re Doing About it
71% of KINSIS delegates self-report integrating healthy coping mechanisms into their lifestyles following our programme. 88% self-report increased capacity to meet life demands, after completing KINSIS’ programme.
What We Know
Black graduate unemployment is higher in the UK, reported at 34%, compared to their white counterparts (13%). (Resolution Foundation)
What We’re Doing About it
63% of KINSIS’ delegates start jobs within 6 months of graduating.
What We Know
50% of Black students reported feeling ignored or excluded from conversations and group activities at university. Emphasising Black students need to experience a greater sense of belonging, with many self-organising to create spaces for themselves.
What We’re Doing About it
88% of KINSIS’ delegates reported a greater sense of belonging since experiencing the programme. To date, the UK has seen the greatest number of Black student-led groups.
Here’s What We Are Seeing:
40% of students don’t believe their university cares whether they succeed or not. 38% of students report feeling isolated or lonely frequently during term time.
1 in 3
Only 1 in 3 students feel confident navigating academic challenges on their own. 1 in 5 students consider dropping out due to stress, loneliness, or lack of support.
10%
Black graduates are less likely to be in graduate-level employment and 10% less likely to be in full-time employment than white peers.
Our Approach
How We Do It
The remedy to this issue is one where ”students must be at the centre of any actions that are taken” (AdvanceHE). For over 10 years, our approach has been student-first, data-driven and evaluative by design.
Transforming the Student Lifecycle
Our programmes empower students to thrive academically and transition confidently into their careers. We train and support student-leaders to build their own communities, cultivating a sense of belonging and creating lasting change.
Research & Advocacy
We use research and real-world experiences to amplify student voices and challenge systemic barriers. Focusing on Black and other underrepresented groups, we advocate for practices and policies that promote inclusivity and educational equity.
Training & Support
Through the ‘Trusted Guides Approach’, we equip universities, workplaces, and institutions with the tools to effectively support underserved students and mitigate risks. Our training helps both students and staff foster more connected cultures that generate a supportive environment for long-term engagement and success (Agboola, 2021).
Our Impact
94% attribute the Trusted Guide support of KINSIS and their programming as a primary determinant of their staying in university and completing their degrees
72 % of delegates graduate with a 2:1/1st class
63% of delegates start jobs within 6 months of graduating
76 % of delegates understand the university system more than they did before they experienced the programme
71% self-report integrating healthy coping mechanisms into their lifestyles following our programmes
100% of delegates identify as leaders upon completion of our programmes
Testimonials
I got my first job through this community and have been at the same company for 5 years now!
“The company holds similar values to KINSIS so it has always felt like home here.”
The timing couldn't have been better
“Right after the training we received from KINSIS, I had a couple interviews and applied all my learnings to them and secured all 3 roles!! Before the sessions I used to rely on TikTok, which is great but here I had someone to go back and forth with.”
Being a part of the KINSIS programme was an incredibly revolutionary experience for me
“Over the past few days, I gained essential insights into my personal strengths, particularly as a Black woman navigating higher education. The sessions helped me discover my superpowers as well as build my confidence as a leader.”
Partnering with KINSIS has been a transformative experience that has exceeded all my expectations
“Witnessing Janice’s growth, from her time on Spelman’s campus to her participation in classes and her drive to create similar exchange opportunities between institutions in the US and UK, has been a testament to the power of this partnership and how students are made better from experiencing our opportunities through it. KINSIS is creating bridges for Black women, fostering power, kinship, and impactful collaborations. Our partnership is a unique opportunity to uplift and empower Black students across the globe.”
I can identify a marked difference in our student's outcomes before they went on your programme and since they’ve come back
“The level of confidence is astronomical and they have really put themselves out there. They feel comfortable to ask for help and support others in their journey too. I can’t praise what you’ve done for them enough.”
There's no one doing it quite like how you're doing it at KINSIS at the moment
“The blend of student and staff is unique because we all feel very involved and you reach places we as staff can’t reach”
Let’s Work Together
Why Partner With Us?
Reduce the burden on student services, wellbeing, and counselling.
Minimise the risk of dropouts and increase progression rates from admissions through to graduation.
Strengthen your equity efforts and meet OfS goals for student success.