For this week’s Volunteer Spotlight, KCLSU is excited to introduce you to the African Caribbean Medical Society (ACMS) and their amazing Widening Participation Project! This initiative was created to help aspiring medical and dentistry students from underrepresented backgrounds access vital resources and feel confident in their journey to higher education.
We had a chat with the ACMS volunteers to find out more about what they do and their motivation to keep engaging with the community. If you're curious about their work, keep reading to learn more this project and how it came to life!
What is the ACMS Medical Education Project all about?
The ACMS Widening Participation Initiative ran as a two-part series designed to support local sixth-form students aspiring to study medicine and dentistry.
Our first session provided an in-depth guide to navigating the application process for medical and dentistry schools. The amazing team of volunteers shared practical advice they wished they’d known when they were applying, covering everything from personal statements to choosing the right universities.
- Session 2: Mock MMI Lecture and Interview Circuit
The second session prepared students for the crucial interview stage, learning about tackling hot interview topics and receiving hands-on practice with a mock MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) circuit to build their confidence and skills.
The project aimed to not only educate students about the process but also foster a sense of belonging and community!
Why is this cause so important to your society?
ACMS’s mission is rooted in breaking barriers for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. With only around 9% of applicants securing places in competitive medical programs like King’s College London, the odds are even tougher for those with limited resources.
Our Widening Participation Project focused on addressing inequities such as lack of knowledge about admissions processes, limited resources and balancing responsibilities like part-time jobs or caregiving, which can limit preparation time.
Through outreach, ACMS has been able to inspire students from disadvantaged backgrounds and equip them with the tools and confidence needed to achieve their goals.
How has funding supported ACMS in being able to run this project?
The support of KCLSU funding helped us to create and provide resources for the sixth-form students to keep and take home so they could practice what they had learnt at our sessions to better improve their skills. These materials served as valuable tools offering structured guidance to build their confidence and prepare effectively for the medical application process.
By addressing financial barriers, the funding helped to ensure that all participants, regardless of their background, had access to high-quality resources that supported their aspirations.
What was the most interesting part of the project?
The most interesting part of the project was speaking to the excited, passionate students and remembering what it was like to be in their shoes where you were slightly overwhelmed by the whole application. It was nice to see how relaxed and confident they became once they gave the interviews a go.
What’s Next for ACMS?
While this project covered many aspects of the medical school application process, the team plans to expand their efforts with a Personal Statement Workshop. This future event will guide students in crafting compelling personal statements which is the first step in their application journey.
By continuously building on their outreach efforts, ACMS hopes to provide ongoing support and inspiration to aspiring medical and dentistry students.
How You Can Get Involved
We want to thank the whole ACMS group of volunteers! We love to see students empowered and connected through volunteering opportunities. To start doing tangible work to help underrepresented communities, and make it fun, head to our Volunteering Page to learn more on how to get involved!
If you have been wondering how to approach volunteering, this week is perfect chance! At KCLSU, we have so many events planned for you to connect with charitable organizations and fellow students in the name of a good cause. From friendship bracelet making to CPR training, our Student Volunteering Week offers an exciting array of opportunities for you to learn and grow in your volunteering journey!