The University of Nottingham has officially launched its second IntoUniversity centre.

The IntoUniversity Nottingham East Centre, in St Ann’s, is part of the Nottingham Potential programme and is dedicated to helping less-advantaged young people in the area to reach university.

The centre represents a multi-million-pound commitment to help break down the barriers to higher education.

Delivered by education charity IntoUniversity in partnership with the University, Nottingham Potential is providing new learning centres in the local community to support pupils from the ages of 7-18, including one-to-one support with homework, literacy and numeracy, coursework, exams, GCSE options and A-levels, careers advice and applications to university.

This is the second of three learning centres to be opened in Nottingham. IntoUniversity Nottingham West in Broxtowe opened in February last year and the location of a third centre will be decided soon. The centres provide a base within the community for long-term, tailored support for young people.

Nottingham Potential has been made possible by a £2.1m donation from the David Ross Foundation, founded by David Ross, Nottingham law alumnus and co-founder of Carphone Warehouse.

The Foundation works with schools and sets up initiatives to increase young people’s aspirations. Its donation enhances the University’s own substantial financial commitment.

Professor Alan Ford, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at the University, said: “We are delighted to open our doors to the St Ann’s community. Following the success of the learning centre in Broxtowe, we are confident that we will be able to expand our support for the children in this area and open up new opportunities for them.

“With the generous help of the David Ross Foundation, Nottingham Potential will continue to raise attainment and encourage progression to university.”

The University has launched Nottingham Potential alongside a significant increase in bursaries for low-income students. Together these developments represent a doubling of the University’s investment in widening participation, from £8m to £16m a year by 2015-16.

Nottingham Potential is part of Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in the University’s history. David Ross is co-chair of the Campaign Board.

Mr Ross said: “Following the successful launch of the Nottingham West Centre last year, I am delighted to help mark the opening of this new centre in St Ann’s.

“These centres are providing children with a support network which they can use in order to fulfil any ambition they may have. These aims are central to the mission of my foundation and we are glad to be working with the University on such an exciting project.”