As Freshers week sees universities welcome new students across the UK, Snapchat and The 93% Club have teamed up to create an AR lens that celebrates state school-educated students and reminds them that they are not alone.

The new AR lens has been designed to show support to the 93% of students that are state school educated and who are making the transition into university life. Despite 93% of people in the UK being state school educated, they occupy a much smaller percentage of top roles. State-educated people make up just  34% of FTSE 350 CEOs, 35% of senior judges and 43% of members of the House of Lords. The AR lens features stickers celebrating the 93% and aims to elevate the achievements of those who went to state school.

The lens has been designed to raise awareness of the 93% club, an organisation that aims to transform what it means to be state-educated. The not for profit was launched to dismantle the old-fashioned concept of exclusive networks and ‘old boys clubs’ by creating more open, accessible networks.

When users open the AR lens, an animation of a ‘Free Membership’ sticker appears and as the sticker button choice opens, users can place as many stickers as they wish to frame their Snap. Snapchatters are able to share a still or video of their creation with friends and the filter includes a direct call to action to sign up to The 93% Club.

While it’s easy for many students that went to state school to feel alone during the transition to university, the Snapchat filter aims to show support, give confidence and encourage conversations. The lens also encourages Snapchatters to be #StateSchoolProud as they head to university.

Alongside the collaboration, Snapchat is launching a new feature that allows users to add their school, college or university to their profile to help them connect with their classmates. Those that join their school community can more easily find friends within their schools and see stories from fellow students via a ‘School Community Story.’

“We are proud to collaborate with The 93% Club to bring mass awareness to the club, while giving confidence to millions of young people that they are supported by their peers as they go through such a life-changing transition from school to university,” explains Harley Ilott, Head of UK Marketing at Snapchat. He continues: “Community and friendship is at the heart of Snapchat and so this makes a perfect partnership as millions descend on their new homes at uni.”

Utilising AR features in-app to encourage conversations about social mobility, Snapchat utilises the power of the technology to help capture the attention of its users. With a focus on building connections and community, the collaboration between Snapchat and the 93% club raises awareness amongst young people to break down historic barriers and stigmas, while instilling confidence in the next generation of state school university students.