Our Story
My Academic Family started with the desire to help others successfully navigate university level education.
The company was incorporated in 2022, and although the business itself is new, the work that goes into it is not. Years worth of education, planning, and hands-on experience are the basis upon which My Academic Family stands. The passion and drive of our founder, Carolyn McNamara was harnessed towards education and educational achievement as early as 2010, when they began their studies in Adult Education. This was Carolyn’s second postgraduate degree to navigate without the benefit of advice from experienced postgraduates.
We understand that moving into the university environment can be a big culture shock for those who weren’t already part of its culture, and we want to make it easier for others.
Our Mission
My Academic Family supports first-generation students in completing their university degrees by providing mentorship and creating supportive environments for first-generation students within universities, thereby unlocking near limitless possibilities to improve their lives and the lives of those around them.
Our Vision
We envision a world where more students successfully complete their university degrees, feel engaged in the educational process, and take full advantage of the opportunities available to them at university.
Our Core Values
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We believe that it is vital to meet people where they are and working from there to reach their goals.
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Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their own educational goals.
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Working together in ways that respect each other and honour the value that different perspectives bring to our work means a more considered and more effective outcome.
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My Academic Family works with under-supported populations, which makes it extra important that we make responsible use of our resources and ensure our work benefits the community.
Our Team
Carly McNamara
Carly McNamara is the founder and Managing Director of My Academic Family, CIC. They hold an MSc in Medieval History, an MA in Adult Education, and a PhD in Celtic. Before creating My Academic Family they served as a coach and mentor to students pursuing post-secondary education in both formal and informal capacities. Carly was born and raised in Central Texas in the USA and has lived in Glasgow full-time since 2016.
Our Volunteers
Our mentors are the backbone of our one-on-one mentorship programme. Their generosity and dedication to supporting our students is foundational in the quality of service we are able to offer to first-generation university students. You can read about some of our mentors on our Mentor Page.