Oh what a night – House of Commons Eagles celebration

By Andrea Rannard-Lambert

ELBA warmly celebrated the 20th anniversary of our graduate social mobility programme Eagles this month, with a House of Commons function, hosted by Lord Mawson.

The event brought together Eagles past and present, alongside corporate supporters and ELBA staff, to mark the occasion and to launch The Eagles effect: Two decades of social mobility research report.

Written by ELBA’s Head of Research and Impact, Dr Carmen Nicoara, the research combines qualitative and quantitative data, from 255 Eagles, alongside feedback from company representatives. The 20-year impact evaluation reveals exceptional social mobility outcomes.

During the House of Commons event, we heard keynotes speeches from ELBA CEO Julie Hutchinson and Eagles Programme Director Sally Roberts, with ex-Eagle and now active Eagles employer Zinab Aldaraji from MUFG speaking on the business case for employers:

“The Eagles programme changed the course of my life – it gave me the chance to step out of the space of need into one of impact. The data doesn’t lie and it shows what I’ve lived: real social mobility in action, with most alumni moving from working-class backgrounds into professional roles and earning above the national average. Having experienced the programme from both sides; as a participant over a decade ago and a corporate partner – it’s a win-win. The impact on people and the value to business are undeniable; the results speak for themselves.”

While social mobility remains a stubborn national challenge, the growing, proactive engagement from corporate partners signals a collective commitment to change. Here’s to the next 20 years!

For more information, contact [email protected].

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